# Corporations and Associations (GCA)

## Title 4A. Limited Liability Company Act

### Subtitle 12. Benefit Limited Liability Companies

#### Section 4A-1201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Benefit limited liability company" means a Maryland limited liability company that elects to be a benefit limited liability company in accordance with Sec. 4A-1203 of this subtitle and has not ceased to be a benefit limited liability company through the operation of Sec. 4A-1205 of this subtitle.

(c) "General public benefit" means a material, positive impact on society and the environment, as measured by a third-party standard, through activities that promote a combination of specific public benefits.

(d) "Specific public benefit" includes:

  (1) Providing individuals or communities with beneficial products or services;

  (2) Promoting economic opportunity for individuals or communities beyond the creation of jobs in the normal course of business;

  (3) Preserving the environment;

  (4) Improving human health;

  (5) Promoting the arts, sciences, or advancement of knowledge;

  (6) Increasing the flow of capital to entities with a public benefit purpose; or

  (7) The accomplishment of any other particular benefit for society or the environment.

(e) "Third-party standard" means a standard for defining, reporting, and assessing best practices in social and environmental performance that:

  (1) Is developed by a person or entity that is independent of the benefit limited liability company; and

  (2) Is transparent because the following information about the standard is publicly available or accessible:

    (i) The factors considered when measuring the performance of a business;

    (ii) The relative weightings of those factors; and

    (iii) The identity of the persons who developed and control changes to the standard and the process by which those changes were made.

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Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)