All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutHB 054312026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT CONCERNING COOPERATIVE CORPORATIONS.
Sponsored By: Judiciary Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To modernize the state's business cooperative statutes.
judiciary
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Easier formation for cooperative businesses
Beginning October 1, 2026, three or more people of lawful age can form a Connecticut cooperative by filing a certificate with the Secretary of the State. They no longer need to live in Connecticut or meet the repealed approval and tax-payment conditions for formation. The cooperative must be formed for trade or another lawful business in farming, manufacturing, mechanical work, or commerce.
Co-ops no longer pay franchise tax
Beginning October 1, 2026, Connecticut repeals the cooperative corporation franchise tax. Cooperative corporations no longer pay this tax, but the law does not state how much they save.
Co-ops must list business locations
Beginning October 1, 2026, a cooperative must state its business purpose and locations in its certificate or bylaws. It cannot do business in a place it has not listed.
Co-op members can vote without meetings
Beginning October 1, 2026, a majority of incorporators must call a meeting to organize a cooperative, unless every incorporator signs written consent to act without one. Members can act without a meeting through written consent signed by everyone entitled to vote. A cooperative may instead use written ballots if its certificate or bylaws allow it. Ballots must go to every voting member, explain the actions and voting choices, state the quorum and approval needs, and give a return deadline. Ballot votes must meet quorum and approval rules; ballots cannot be withdrawn unless the certificate or bylaws allow it. For written consents, the record date is the first signature; for ballots, it is the date notice is delivered.
New board and membership rules for co-ops
Beginning October 1, 2026, a cooperative must have at least three directors, usually elected by members each year. Bylaws may divide directors into up to five groups, with later terms lasting two to five years. Bylaws must set member rights and qualifications; members generally must hold or subscribe for at least one share, and each member usually gets one vote. Unless governing documents set another rule, members present in person or by proxy form a quorum; separate voting groups need their own quorum. Directors are elected by plurality vote when a quorum is present, unless the certificate or bylaws provide otherwise.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Judiciary Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Aundre Bumgardner
Democratic • House
Nick Gauthier
Democratic • House
Tom Delnicki
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/23/2026
House Roll Call Vote 138
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 330
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/23/2026
JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
5/26/2026legislatureTransmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
5/15/2026legislatureTransmitted to the Secretary of State
5/15/2026legislaturePublic Act 26-59
5/14/2026legislatureOn Consent Calendar / In Concurrence
5/5/2026legislatureSenate Passed
5/5/2026SenateSenate Calendar Number 491
4/30/2026SenateFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
4/30/2026SenateImmediate Transmittal to the Senate
4/29/2026SenateHouse Passed
4/29/2026HouseFile Number 534
4/9/2026legislatureHouse Calendar Number 353
4/9/2026HouseFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House
4/9/2026HouseReported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office
4/9/2026legislatureReferred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/08/26 5:00 PM
4/2/2026legislatureFiled with Legislative Commissioners' Office
3/24/2026legislatureJoint Favorable
3/23/2026legislaturePublic Hearing 03/16
3/12/2026legislatureReferred to Joint Committee on Judiciary
2/27/2026legislature
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-59
5/14/2026
File No. 534
4/9/2026
JUD Joint Favorable
3/23/2026
Raised Bill
2/27/2026
Bill Analysis For File Copy 534
Fiscal Note For File Copy 534
House Roll Call Vote 138
JUD Joint Fav. Rpt
JUD Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Senate Roll Call Vote 330
Summary for Public Act No. 26-59
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