Foundation of the Federal Bar Association Charter Amendments Act of 2025

This legislation updates the federal charter for the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association. It moves many rules into the group’s own bylaws and makes clear that the board runs the organization and sets officer rules through those bylaws .

It also puts up guardrails. The group can’t issue stock or pay dividends, and neither the group nor its leaders may use its funds to do political activities or try to influence laws. No one can personally profit from its money, though reasonable pay and expense reimbursements are allowed; it can’t loan money to insiders; and members and private individuals aren’t personally responsible for the group’s debts. The main office can be anywhere in the United States, as chosen by the board and stated in the bylaws. The group must follow the legal-notice rules of the state where it’s incorporated. If it shuts down, any leftover assets are distributed as the board provides, in line with the charter and bylaws. It may not suggest it has U.S. Government approval for its activities, though it can acknowledge its federal charter.

• Who is affected: The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association, including its board, officers, members, and employees.
• Key changes:
  • Membership rules and member rights will be set in the bylaws; the board runs the group, and officer rules and elections are set in the bylaws.
  • No stock or dividends; no using funds to do politics or try to influence laws; no personal profit, but reasonable pay and reimbursements are allowed; no loans to insiders; members and private individuals aren’t personally liable for the group’s debts.
  • The main office can be anywhere in the U.S.; the group must follow state rules for legal notices; if it closes, assets are distributed as the board provides under the charter and bylaws; it cannot claim government approval for its activities.