Although organizations don't need to file these bylaws with the state, California law requires that the treasurer or other designated member of the organization maintains a copy on file.
Corporate bylaws are a company's foundational governing document. They lay out how things should run day-to-day and the processes for making important decisions. They serve as a legal contract between the corporation and its shareholders, directors, and officers and set the protocol for how the organization operates.
There's also the fact that if you don't list the number of directors in your Articles of Incorporation, you're legally required to list that information in your bylaws (see California Corp Code § 212). The bottom line: corporate bylaws are not legally required, but they're pretty much essential for your corporation.
LLCs are not required to have bylaws. However, they are governed by an operating agreement which is like a corporation's bylaws.
By-laws Adoption. – Every corporation formed under this code, must, within one month after receipt of official notice of the issuance of its certificate of incorporation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, adopt a new code of by-laws for its government not inconsistent with this code.
Every California Corporation must adopt bylaws, and this article identifies the key components that should be included in California Corporation Bylaws; however, this article does not contain all the headings or provisions that are required to be included in California Corporation Bylaws.
A certificate of good standing (also called a certificate of status in some states) is simply a written document from the state that verifies that, as of a certain date and for a certain period of time, your business is properly registered with the state and is legally authorized to conduct business.
LLCs are not required to have bylaws. However, they are governed by an operating agreement which is like a corporation's bylaws.