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HomeCorporations CodeCh. 2Art. 1§ 5212 Board Committee Creation Rules

§ 5212 Board Committee Creation Rules

Corporations Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5212 Board Committee Creation Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •The board can create small groups (committees) of 2 or more directors to help with decisions.
  • •These committees can do most things the board can, but NOT big stuff like changing rules, paying directors, or filling empty board seats.
  • •Only directors can be on powerful committees, but other committees can have anyone.
  • •The board can pick backup members for committees in case someone is absent.

Example

A company's board wants to plan a new park but doesn’t want to do all the work themselves.

They can make a 'Park Planning Committee' with 3 directors. This group can decide small things like what swings to buy, but they CAN’T decide big things like firing the boss or changing the company’s rules.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5212 Board Committee Creation Rules

(a) The board may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the number of directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, create one or more committees, each consisting of two or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the board. Appointments to such committees shall be by a majority vote of the directors then in office, unless the articles or bylaws require a majority vote of the number of directors authorized in or pursuant to the articles or bylaws. The bylaws may authorize one or more such committees, each consisting of two or more directors, and may provide that a specified officer or officers who are also directors of the corporation shall be a member or members of such committee or committees. The board may appoint one or more directors as alternate members of such committee, who may replace any absent member at any meeting of the committee. Such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the board or in the bylaws, shall have all the authority of the board, except with respect to: (1) The approval of any action for which this part also requires approval of the members (Section 5034) or approval of a majority of all members (Section 5033), regardless of whether the corporation has members. (2) The filling of vacancies on the board or in any committee which has the authority of the board. (3) The fixing of compensation of the directors for serving on the board or on any committee. (4) The amendment or repeal of bylaws or the adoption of new bylaws. (5) The amendment or repeal of any resolution of the board which by its express terms is not so amendable or repealable. (6) The appointment of committees of the board or the members thereof. (7) The expenditure of corporate funds to support a nominee for director after there are more people nominated for director than can be elected. (8) The approval of any self-dealing transaction except as provided in paragraph (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 5233. (b)  A committee exercising the authority of the board shall not include as members persons who are not directors. However, the board may create other committees that do not exercise the authority of the board and these other committees may include persons regardless of whether they are directors. (c) Unless the bylaws otherwise provide, the board may delegate to any committee powers as authorized by Section 5210, but may not delegate the powers set forth in paragraphs (1) to (8), inclusive, of subdivision (a). (d) If required by subdivision (e) of Section 12586 of the Government Code, the board shall appoint an audit committee in accordance with that subdivision and for the purposes set forth therein. (Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 442, Sec. 3. (AB 1211) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

boardcommitteesdirectorsauthority of the board

Related Statutes

  • § 12352 Board Committee Creation Authority
  • § 7212 Board Committee Creation Rules
  • § 9212 Board Committee Creation Rules
  • § 12353 Corporate Officer Requirements
  • § 13275 Association Board Management

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Corporations Code. Section 5212.
View Official Source