Tennessee § 48-52-102 - Charter.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-52-102 — Charter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-52-102. Charter.
The charter must set forth: A corporate name for the corporation that satisfies the requirements of § 48-54-101; One (1) of the following statements: This corporation is a public benefit corporation; or This corporation is a mutual benefit corporation; If the corporation is a religious corporation, a statement to that effect; The street address and zip code of the corporation's initial registered office, the county in which the office is located, and the name of its initial registered agent at that office; The name, address and zip code of each incorporator; The street address and zip code of the initial principal office, and a mailing address if the United States Postal Service does not deliver to the principal office, of the corporation; A statement that the corporation is not for profit; A statement that the corporation will or will not have members; and Provisions not inconsistent with law regarding the distribution of assets upon dissolution. The charter may set forth: The names and addresses of the individuals who are to serve as the initial directors; Provisions not inconsistent with law: Stating the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized; Regarding the management of the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation; and Defining, limiting and regulating the powers and rights of the corporation, its board of directors and members or any class thereof; A provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its members for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director; provided, that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director: For any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its members; For acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; or Under § 48-58-302; No such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective; All references in this subsection (b) to a “director” are also deemed to refer to a member of the governing body of a corporation which dispenses with or limits the authority of the board of directors pursuant to § 48-58-101(c); Any provision that under chapters 51-68 of this title is required or permitted to be set forth in the bylaws; A provision permitting or making obligatory indemnification of a director for liability to any person for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for: Receipt of a financial benefit to which the director is not entitled; An intentional infliction of harm; A violation of § 48-58-302; or An intentional violation of criminal law; and For purposes of subdivision (b)(5)(A): “Liability” means the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine, including excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan, as reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding; and “Proceeding” includes a threatened, pending or completed proceeding; That the liability of a director of a corporation that is not a public benefit corporation may be eliminated or limited by a provision of the charter that a director shall not be liable to the corporation or its members for money damages for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for: The amount of a financial benefit received by the director to which the director is not entitled; An intentional infliction of harm; A violation of § 48-58-302; or An intentional violation of criminal law. The charter need not set forth any of the corporate powers enumerated in chapters 51-68 of this title. Acts 1987, ch. 242, § 2.02; 1991, ch. 188, § 2; 2014, ch. 899, §§ 16–19. Cross-References. Applicability to corporations existing on January 1, 1988, § 48-68-101 . Textbooks. Tennessee Forms (Robinson, Ramsey and Harwell), Nos. 5-1401, 8-502. Attorney General Opinions. Amending a nonprofit corporation's charter, OAG 00-029, 2000 Tenn. AG LEXIS 29 (2/22/00).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 48-52-102
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-52-102 cover?
Section 48-52-102 ("Charter.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. 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 Tennessee § 48-52-102?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-52-102" (Tennessee). 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 Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 48-52-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.