(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, an amendment to the articles does not affect a cause of action existing against or in favor of the nonprofit corporation, a proceeding to which the corporation is a party, or the existing rights of persons other than members of the corporation or persons referred to in the articles. An amendment changing a corporation's name does not abate a proceeding brought by or against the corporation in its former name.

(2) No amendment to the articles shall modify any restriction imposed through any means upon property held for charitable purposes unless, before the delivery of the amendment to the secretary of state for filing, the restriction is modified:

(a) In the case of a restriction imposed pursuant to a trust instrument governed by chapter 11.110 RCW in which the nonprofit corporation is a trustee or a beneficiary, through an appropriate order of the court or the agreement of all interested parties, including the attorney general, under chapter 11.96A RCW; or

(b) In the case of any other restriction, pursuant to RCW 24.03A.190.

(3) A person who is a member or otherwise affiliated with a charitable corporation may not receive a direct or indirect financial benefit in connection with an amendment of the articles unless the person is itself a charitable corporation, the federal government, a state, a governmental subdivision, or an unincorporated entity that has charitable purposes. This subsection does not apply to the receipt of reasonable compensation for services rendered.

Effective date—2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.