The Columbia Association's board of directors has approved a less-contentious version of the so-called pledge form - this time it does not mention anything about board members swearing their "undivided allegiance" to the homeowners association.

The board voted, 7-0, Thursday with one member abstaining and two members absent, to pass the updated form that members will sign to acknowledge that they received training in Maryland law and Columbia Association values and policies pertinent to their positions.

By signing the form, board members confirm they have been informed of the association's charter and bylaws; its values statement; Maryland law regarding directors' obligations and fiduciary duties; and association board and council polices and procedures, including conflict-of-interest rules.

If any of the 10 board members - who also act as the Columbia Council - decline to sign the form, Columbia Association President Maggie J. Brown may instead certify that the board member received the necessary training.

The updated statement is a far cry from the original pledge form - brought before the board in April - which would have required board members to promise their "undivided allegiance to CA when I am making decisions affecting CA."

That one-page statement also would have required board members to acknowledge the association's policies, charter and bylaws and agree that they "have fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to CA that require that [they] act reasonably, prudently, and in the best interests of CA."

Unlike the original pledge form - which sparked a major debate among board members - the new statement triggered little discussion Thursday.

Only board member Joshua Feldmark of Wilde Lake, who abstained from the vote, voiced any concern. "I don't have a real problem with this, but I don't really see the point," he said.

Brown pointed out that village board members throughout Columbia sign a statement acknowledging that they are aware of their fiduciary responsibilities.

Board Chairman Miles Coffman said that, in the past, board members have claimed they did not know some association bylaws or policies and that the form is a way to verify that members have received the training necessary for their positions.

"I think it's important that we acknowledge, as a board of directors, we've been exposed to [the information]," he said, adding that by signing the new form, members are not "swearing to anything."