§31A-8B-2. Legislative findings and purpose.

(a) The Legislature finds that:

(1) Banking institutions are required by law to demonstrate that their deposit facilities serve the convenience and needs of the communities in which they are chartered to do business;

(2) The convenience and needs of communities include the need for credit services as well as deposit services; and

(3) Banking institutions have a continuing and affirmative obligation to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which they are chartered.

(b) It is the purpose of this article to require the commissioner and the board to use their authority when examining or investigating banking institutions or their bank holding companies, to encourage such institutions to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which they are chartered consistent with the safe and sound operation of such institutions.