Polish Sejm passes legislation making association registration easier and allowing remote meetings, responding to petitions.
Legislative Changes
On Friday, January 23rd, parliamentarians adopted two important amendments concerning associations. One was prepared by the Senate, and the other by the Sejm’s Committee on Petitions. Both amendments amend the Act on Associations. The Senate bill also introduces changes to the Foundations Act, while the committee bill amends the KRS Act and the Act on Court Costs in Civil Cases. Both amendments are responses to two different petitions.
Online Voting and Meetings
The first amendment concerns online voting and meetings. Currently, associations and foundations can deliberate and vote via the internet, but only if members consent and certain technical requirements are met, such as live streaming, two-way communication, and the ability to vote personally or through a proxy. The statute may restrict or entirely exclude such solutions. The problem is that current regulations tie these possibilities to the state of epidemic, which in practice blocks their application. The amendment removes this limitation, though the statute will still determine the scope of permissible solutions.
Simplified Registration Process
The Sejm amendment aims to facilitate and speed up the registration of registered associations. This is thanks to an alternative path based on a model statute approved by the Minister of Justice. In such cases, registration, like subsequent amendments to the statute, can be done through the S24 system. The amendment does not eliminate the current registration procedure but provides an additional, simpler option for those who want to obtain legal personality more quickly.
Digital System S24
The S24 system is already used for registering companies and for making changes to their data or submitting financial reports. Now a similar solution is to be made available to associations as well.
Legislative Stage
Laws passed by the Sejm.
