Montana § 35-2-520 - Termination, Expulsion, And Suspension

§ 35-2-520. Termination, Expulsion, And Suspension

Termination, expulsion, and suspension. (1) A member of a public benefit corporation or mutual benefit corporation may not be expelled or suspended and membership in these corporations may not be terminated or suspended except pursuant to a procedure that is fair and reasonable and is carried out in good faith. (2) A procedure is fair and reasonable when either: (a) the articles or bylaws set forth a procedure that provides: (i) not less than 15 days' prior written notice of the expulsion, suspension, or termination and the reasons for it; and (ii) an opportunity for the member to be heard, orally or in writing, not less than 5 days before the effective date of the expulsion, suspension, or termination by a person or persons authorized to decide that the proposed expulsion, termination, or suspension not take place; or (b) it takes into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances. (3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), a written notice given by mail must be given by first-class or certified mail sent to the last address of the member shown on the corporation's records. (b) Written notice may be given to any authenticated electronic identification as shown on the corporation's records. (4) A proceeding that challenges an expulsion, suspension, or termination, including a proceeding in which defective notice is alleged, must be commenced within 1 year after the effective date of the expulsion, suspension, or termination. (5) A member who has been expelled or suspended may be liable to the corporation for dues, assessments, or fees as a result of obligations incurred or commitments made prior to the expulsion or suspension.