Drawing from the explicit statutory provisions found in the "community college law" of each state, this report examines the legal responsibilities of local community college governing boards. After discussing the number of private and public two-year colleges with local boards, the report examines the boards' legal status as corporations which are formed either by constitutional provision, state charter, statutory enactment, or district action and can act only as a unit. Twenty principal powers usually accorded to boards under state law are then outlined, including the authority to elect officers, establish institutional policy, and act as a court of appeals within the college. Next, state guidelines are delineated for board membership, meetings, and trustee reimbursement. The personal and corporate liabilities of trustees are then discussed, as are related statutes that define board liability, provide immunity, and require liability insurance. After examining the role of the president vis-a-vis the board, the report delineates: (1) the number of private two-year colleges in each state; (2) the number and type of public community colleges and campuses within each state and whether these schools have local governing boards; (3) community college governance structures in all 50 states; (4) principal expressed, implied, mandatory, and permissive rights of governing boards in the states with boards; and (5) express titles, designation, and composition of the boards. (JP)