California § 204 - The articles of incorporation may set forth: (a) Any or all of the following prov
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 204 — The articles of incorporation may set forth: (a) Any or all of the following prov, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 204. The articles of incorporation may set forth: (a) Any or all of the following prov
The articles of incorporation may set forth: (a) Any or all of the following provisions, which shall not be effective unless expressly provided in the articles: (1) Granting, with or without limitations, the power to levy assessments upon the shares or any class of shares. (2) Granting to shareholders preemptive rights to subscribe to any or all issues of shares or securities. (3) Special qualifications of persons who may be shareholders. (4) A provision limiting the duration of the corporationâs existence to a specified date. (5) A provision requiring, for any or all corporate actions, except as provided in Section 303, subdivision (b) of Section 402.5, subdivision (c) of Section 708, and Section 1900, the vote of a larger proportion or of all of the shares of any class or series, or the vote or quorum for taking action of a larger proportion or of all of the directors, than is otherwise required by this division. (6) A provision limiting or restricting the business in which the corporation may engage or the powers which the corporation may exercise or both. (7) A provision conferring upon the holders of any evidences of indebtedness, issued or to be issued by the corporation, the right to vote in the election of directors and on any other matters on which shareholders may vote. (8) A provision conferring upon shareholders the right to determine the consideration for which shares shall be issued. (9) A provision requiring the approval of the shareholders (Section 153) or the approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) for any corporate action, even though not otherwise required by this division. (10) Provisions eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director for monetary damages in an action brought by or in the right of the corporation for breach of a directorâs duties to the corporation and its shareholders, as set forth in Section 309, provided, however, that (A) such a provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of directors (i) for acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing and culpable violation of law, (ii) for acts or omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders or that involve the absence of good faith on the part of the director, (iii) for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit, (iv) for acts or omissions that show a reckless disregard for the directorâs duty to the corporation or its shareholders in circumstances in which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the ordinary course of performing a directorâs duties, of a risk of serious injury to the corporation or its shareholders, (v) for acts or omissions that constitute an unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the directorâs duty to the corporation or its shareholders, (vi) under Section 310, or (vii) under Section 316, (B) no such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when the provision becomes effective, and (C) no such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of an officer for any act or omission as an officer, notwithstanding that the officer is also a director or that his or her actions, if negligent or improper, have been ratified by the directors. (11) A provision authorizing, whether by bylaw, agreement, or otherwise, the indemnification of agents (as defined in Section 317) in excess of that expressly permitted by Section 317 for those agents of the corporation for breach of duty to the corporation and its stockholders, provided, however, that the provision may not provide for indemnification of any agent for any acts or omissions or transactions from which a director may not be relieved of liability as set forth in the exception to paragraph (10) or as to circumstances in which indemnity is expressly prohibited by Section 317. Notwithstanding this subdivision, in the case of a close corporation any of the provisions referred to above may be validly included in a shareholdersâ agreement. Notwithstanding this subdivision, bylaws may require for all or any actions by the board the affirmative vote of a majority of the authorized number of directors. Nothing contained in this subdivision shall affect the enforceability, as between the parties thereto, of any lawful agreement not otherwise contrary to public policy. (b) Reasonable restrictions upon the right to transfer or hypothecate shares of any class or classes or series, but no restriction shall be binding with respect to shares issued prior to the adoption of the restriction unless the holders of such shares voted in favor of the restriction. (c) The names and addresses of the persons appointed to act as initial directors. (d) Any other provision, not in conflict with law, for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the corporation, including any provision which is required or permitted by this division to be stated in the bylaws. (e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2022.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 204
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 204 cover?
Section 204 ("The articles of incorporation may set forth: (a) Any or all of the following prov") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 204?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 204" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 204 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.