States Ease Shareholder Meeting Rules as Virus Halts Gatherings (1)

States are easing restrictions on virtual shareholder meetings as the new coronavirus pandemic complicates in-person gatherings.

New York, Connecticut, and Georgia have each taken steps to ensure their corporations can comply with state law while avoiding situations that might further the spread of Covid-19. They’re among a handful of states that normally don’t permit online-only meetings, which are expected to spike as virus-related lockdowns run up against an annual meeting season that usually ramps up in spring.

Other states such as New Jersey are opting for legislative workarounds to their shareholder meeting rules.

Most measures so far are temporary and ...