Montana corporate bylaws are essential provisions established at a corporation’s inception to govern its internal operations and structure, detailing officer responsibilities, director election and removal, shareholder voting rights, and stock distribution.
Initially set by the corporation’s founders or directors according to state law and the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws cover annual meetings, amendments, and decision-making policies. Essential for managing business and legal compliance, their documentation is kept at company headquarters, not requiring submission to the Secretary of State.
Legal Requirements
Montana mandates that all corporations create and maintain bylaws, as specified in § 35-14-206(1). Here are some other legal requirements to be aware of:
- Annual Meetings – § 35-14-701
- Corporate Bylaws – § 35-14-206
- Issuance of Stock – § 35-14-621
Naming Considerations
- Required Words: “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Limited,” an abbreviation thereof, or language of like import (choose one).
- Prohibited Words: Language stating/implying that it is an entity other than a corporation.
- Name Reservation Period: 120 days.
- Renewal Period: Nonrenewable.
- Transferability: Yes.
Emergency Bylaws
The corporation can establish emergency bylaws for operating during a disaster. These bylaws take effect when an emergency prevents the majority of the board of directors from gathering, as outlined in § 35-14-207.
