HB 648
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 648 (Delegate Wilson)
Economic Matters Finance
Electric Cooperatives – Meetings – Alterations
This bill authorizes an electric cooperative to hold annual and special meetings virtually,
or with a combination of in-person and virtual attendance, and makes related administrative
and conforming changes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: An annual meeting of the members of a cooperative must be held at the
time and place provided in the bylaws. A special meeting of the members of a cooperative
may be called by the chairman, a majority of the board directors, or a minimum of 10% of
the cooperative’s members.
Unless the bylaws require the presence of a greater percentage or number of the members
for a quorum, a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the members of a
cooperative must be (1) 5% of all members, present in person, of a cooperative that has
up to 1,000 members and (2) 50 members, present in person, of a cooperative that has more
than 1,000 members. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority of those
present in person may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice.
Each member of a cooperative is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at
a meeting of the members. Generally, voting must be in person. However, if the bylaws
allow, voting also may be by proxy, by mail, or by electronic transmission, subject to
conditions that must be specified in the bylaws. A person may not vote by proxy for more
than three members at any meeting of the members.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: SB 561 (Senators Hershey and Eckardt) - Finance.
Information Source(s): Public Service Commission; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 7, 2021
an/lgc Third Reader - March 9, 2021
Analysis by: Stephen M. Ross Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 648/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Electric Cooperatives – Meetings – Alterations: 5-616 Corporations and Associations, 5-617 Corporations and Associations, 5-618 Corporations and Associations, 5-619 Corporations and Associations
Text - Third - Electric Cooperatives – Meetings – Alterations: 5-616 Corporations and Associations, 5-617 Corporations and Associations, 5-618 Corporations and Associations, 5-619 Corporations and Associations