§ 293-C:9 — Standard of Conduct for Officers

I. Each officer of a benefit corporation shall consider the interests and factors described in RSA 293-C:7 in the manner provided in that section if:
(a) The officer has discretion to act with respect to a matter; and
(b) It reasonably appears to the officer that the matter may have a material effect on the creation by the benefit corporation of general public benefit or a specific public benefit identified in the articles of incorporation of the benefit corporation.
II. The consideration of interests and factors in the manner required by paragraph I shall not constitute a violation of RSA 293-A:8.42.
III. Except as provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, an officer shall not be personally liable for monetary damages for:
(a) An action or inaction as an officer in the course of performing the duties of an officer under this section if the officer performed the duties of the position in compliance with RSA 293-A:8.42 and this section; or
(b) Failure of the benefit corporation to pursue or create general public benefit or specific public benefit.
IV. An officer shall not have a duty to a person that is a beneficiary of the general public benefit purpose or a specific public benefit purpose of a benefit corporation arising from the status of the person as a beneficiary.
V. An officer who makes a business judgment in good faith fulfills the duty under this section if the officer:
(a) Is not interested in the subject of the business judgment;
(b) Is informed with respect to the subject of the business judgment to the extent the officer reasonably believes to be appropriate under the circumstances; and
(c) Rationally believes that the business judgment is in the best interests of the benefit corporation.

Legislative History

2014, 216:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.