Iowa corporate bylaws are internal rules adopted by the board of directors after filing articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. These bylaws guide business operations, including procedures for appointing officers, issuing stock, communicating with shareholders, and delegating authority to committees.
They also define the number of individuals required to act and make decisions for the business during meetings. Bylaws are typically enacted during the first gathering of the initial directors and can be amended or added to at any time.
Legal Requirements
Corporate bylaws are required in Iowa (§ 490.206(1)).
Naming Considerations
- Required Words: “Corporation,” “Company,” “Incorporated,” “Limited,” or an abbreviation thereof or language of like import.
- Prohibited Words: Language stating/implying the corporation is organized for an impermissible purpose.
- Name Reservation Period: 120 days.
- Renewal Period: Renewable.
- Transferability: Yes.
Emergency Bylaws
The corporation can have emergency bylaws that specify the procedures for conducting corporate affairs during an emergency. (§ 490.207)