SECTIONS 12200-12203

12200.  This part shall be known as the Consumer CooperativeCorporation Law. This part is intended primarily to apply to theorganization and operation of consumer cooperatives. It is alsoapplicable to other cooperatives, including, but not limited to,cooperatives formed for the purpose of recycling or treatinghazardous wastes, which elect to incorporate under it.12201.  Subject to any other provision of law of this state applyingto the particular class of corporation or line of activity, acorporation may be formed under this part for any lawful purposeprovided that it shall be organized and shall conduct its businessprimarily for the mutual benefit of its members as patrons of thecorporation. The earnings, savings, or benefits of the corporationshall be used for the general welfare of the members or shall beproportionately and equitably distributed to some or all of itsmembers or its patrons, based upon their patronage (Section 12243) ofthe corporation, in the form of cash, property, evidences ofindebtedness, capital credits, memberships, or services. Such corporations are democratically controlled and are notorganized to make a profit for themselves, as such, or for theirmembers, as such, but primarily for their members as patrons (Section12243).12202.  (a) The provisions of this part apply to corporationsexisting pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 12200) ofDivision 3 of Title 1 in effect immediately prior to January 1, 1984. (b) The existence of corporations formed or existing on the dateof enactment of this part shall not be affected by the enactment orreenactment of this part or by any change in the requirements for theformation of corporations or by the amendment or repeal of the lawsunder which they were formed or created. (c) Neither the repeal of Part 2 (commencing with Section 12200)of Division 3 of Title 1 as in effect immediately prior to January 1,1984, nor the reenactment or amendment of this part shall impair ortake away any existing liability or cause of action against anycorporation, its members, shareholders, directors, or officersincurred prior to the enactment of this part.12203.  Unless the provisions or the context otherwise requires, thedefinitions set forth in this part govern the construction of thispart.