Colorado § 7-56-401 - Directors - elections - remuneration - vacancy.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 7-56-401 — Directors - elections - remuneration - vacancy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7-56-401. Directors - elections - remuneration - vacancy.

(1) The affairs of a cooperative formed under or subject to this article shall be managed by a board of not less than three directors as provided in the articles or bylaws elected by and from the members of the cooperative or designated representatives of members who are not individuals. If authorized by the articles or the bylaws, up to twenty percent of the board may consist of directors who are neither members nor representatives of members. Directors who are not members of the cooperative or representatives of members may be elected by a vote of two-thirds of the cooperative members present and voting. Nominations for the position of director shall be conducted in a manner provided in the bylaws or in a resolution of the board or of the members.

(2) The articles or bylaws may provide that the territory in which the cooperative has members shall be divided into districts and that the directors shall be elected according to such districts, either directly or by district delegates elected by the members in that district. In that case the articles or bylaws shall state the number of directors to be elected by each district and the manner and method of reapportioning the directors and of redistricting the territory covered by the cooperative. The bylaws may provide that primary elections shall be held in each district to elect the directors apportioned to such districts and that the result of all such primary elections shall be ratified at the next regular meeting of the cooperative or be considered final as to the cooperative.

(3) A cooperative may provide a reasonable remuneration for the time actually spent by its officers and directors in its service. No director, during the term of the director's office, shall be a party to a contract for profit with the cooperative differing in any way from the business relations accorded members of the cooperative.

(4) The articles or bylaws may limit directors from occupying any position in the cooperative on a regular salary or substantially full-time pay. The articles or bylaws may provide for an executive committee and may allot to the committee all the functions and powers of the board, subject to the general direction and control of the board.

(5) When a vacancy on the board occurs other than by expiration of term, the remaining members of the board, even though not a quorum, by a majority vote, shall fill the unexpired term, unless the articles or bylaws provide for an election of directors by district, in which event, unless the articles or bylaws provide for a different procedure, the board shall immediately call a special meeting of the members in the district to fill the vacancy.

Source: L. 96: Entire article R&RE, p. 501, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2003: (1) and (2) amended, p. 2226, § 83, effective July 1, 2004. L. 2004: (1) amended, p. 1413, § 46, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 7-56-113 as it existed prior to 1996.

Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 7-56-401

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 7-56-401 cover?

Section 7-56-401 ("Directors - elections - remuneration - vacancy.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. 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 Colorado § 7-56-401?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 7-56-401" (Colorado). 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 Colorado law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

How does Colorado § 7-56-401 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado 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 Colorado.