§12-5-5. Protection and handling of securities.

(a) The noncash securities retained in the treasury shall be kept in a vault. The treasurer shall use due diligence in protecting the securities against loss from any cause. The treasurer shall designate certain employees to take special care of the securities. Only the treasurer and the designated employees may have access to the securities, and at least two of these persons shall be present whenever the securities are handled in any manner. The treasurer may contract with one or more banking institutions in or outside the state for the custody, safekeeping and management of securities. The contract shall prescribe the rules for the handling and protection of the securities.

(b) The "Treasurer's Safekeeping Fund" is established in the State Treasury. The treasurer shall deposit moneys received pursuant to this article in the Treasurer's Safekeeping Fund. The treasurer is authorized to invest the money in accordance with this code and the restrictions placed on the money, with earnings accruing to the moneys in the fund. The treasurer shall prescribe the forms and procedures for processing the moneys.