Bill > H2746

This bill, concerning the safety and standards of organizing businesses, proposes changes to how corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) receive their certificates of organization, which are official documents allowing them to legally operate. The state secretary, before approving these certificates, will now require all necessary licensure documents relevant to the business's industry, including criminal offender record information for all employees. A new council will be appointed within the state secretary's office to investigate applicants, their business purposes, and other relevant facts, with the power to approve or disapprove certificates after a public hearing. This hearing requires applicants to publish notice in local newspapers for three consecutive weeks at their own expense, with the last publication occurring at least three days before the hearing. If the council disapproves a certificate, they must provide a detailed written explanation. The state secretary will then refuse to approve the certificate unless they find no legal non-compliance. Applicants whose certificates are disapproved can appeal to the superior court. Finally, the state secretary is authorized to increase application fees for certificates of organization to cover the added administrative costs associated with these new requirements.