Washington § 23B.14.020 - Dissolution by board of directors and shareholders.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 23B.14.020 — Dissolution by board of directors and shareholders., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 23B.14.020. Dissolution by board of directors and shareholders.

(1) A corporation's board of directors may propose dissolution for submission to the shareholders.
(2) For a proposal to dissolve to be approved:
(a) The board of directors must recommend dissolution to the shareholders unless (i) the board of directors determines that because of conflict of interest or other special circumstances it should make no recommendation or (ii) RCW 23B.08.245 applies, and in either case the board of directors communicates the basis for so proceeding to the shareholders; and
(b) The shareholders entitled to vote must approve the proposal to dissolve as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(3) The board of directors may condition its submission of the proposal for dissolution on any basis, including the affirmative vote of holders of a specified percentage of shares held by any group of shareholders not otherwise entitled under this title or the articles of incorporation to vote as a separate voting group on the proposed dissolution.
(4) The corporation shall notify each shareholder, whether or not entitled to vote, of the proposed dissolution either (a) by giving notice of a shareholders' meeting in accordance with RCW 23B.07.050 and stating that the purpose or one of the purposes of the meeting is to consider dissolving the corporation, or (b) in accordance with the requirements of RCW 23B.07.040 for approving the proposed dissolution without a meeting.
(5)(a) With respect to a corporation formed before August 1, 2024:
(i) Unless the articles of incorporation, or the board of directors acting in accordance with subsection (3) of this section, requires a different vote, shareholder approval of the proposed dissolution requires:
(A) The approval of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the proposed dissolution; and
(B) The approval of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the proposed dissolution by each other voting group entitled under the articles of incorporation to vote separately on the proposed dissolution.
(ii) The articles of incorporation may require a different vote than that provided in this subsection (5)(a), or a different vote by separate voting groups, so long as the required vote is not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the proposed dissolution and of each other voting group entitled to vote separately on the proposed dissolution.
(b) With respect to a corporation formed on or after August 1, 2024, unless the articles of incorporation, or the board of directors acting in accordance with subsection (3) of this section, requires a greater vote, shareholder approval of the proposed dissolution requires:
(i) The approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the proposed dissolution; and
(ii) The approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the proposed dissolution by each other voting group entitled under the articles of incorporation to vote separately on the proposed dissolution.
[ 2025 c 4 s 5; 2011 c 328 s 8; 2009 c 189 s 50; 2006 c 52 s 6; 2003 c 35 s 10; 1989 c 165 s 155.]

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 23B.14.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 23B.14.020 cover?

Section 23B.14.020 ("Dissolution by board of directors and shareholders.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 23B.14.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 23B.14.020" (Washington). 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 Washington law?

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

How does Washington § 23B.14.020 apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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