TITLE banking-and-securities

Part IV. Texas Savings and Loan Department

Chapter 75. Applications

Subchapter B. Expedited Applications

7 TAC §§75.25-75.27

The Finance Commission of Texas is again proposing new 7 TAC §§75.25 through 75.27 regarding expedited application procedures for certain state savings banks relating to branch offices, mobile facilities, change of office location, merger, consolidation, or purchase and assumption transactions. A reduction in related application fees in Chapter 79 is separately proposed for expedited applications.

The only change to the prior proposal is the inclusion of mobile facilities and branch relocation applications in the expedited application process.

Proposed §75.25 establishes the criteria for a savings bank to be eligible to file an expedited application. This is proposed as a reduction of regulatory burden to those savings banks that are well rated, well managed, and not operating under any regulatory directive or agreement.

Proposed §75.26 describes the items necessary to be filed with an expedited application. It requires that the applicant supply the Commissioner all information necessary to make a fully informed decision regarding an expedited filing.

Proposed §75.27 permits discretion to the Commissioner to deny expedited filing treatment to an otherwise eligible applicant if he finds that the proposed transaction involves significant policy, supervisory, or legal issues.

James L. Pledger, Savings and Loan Commissioner, has determined that for the first five year period the new sections as proposed will be in effect, the public will benefit from less regulatory burden and there will be no fiscal implications for state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering these sections. Mr. Pledger estimates that, for the first five years the proposed section is in effect, those institutions that are eligible to file under expedited treatment will have reduced economic costs as a result of complying with the proposed sections. No difference will exist between the cost of compliance for small businesses and the cost of compliance for the largest businesses affected by these sections.

Comments on the proposed sections may be submitted in writing to James L. Pledger, Commissioner, Savings and Loan Department, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or e-mailed to TSLD@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The new sections are proposed under §11.302 of the Finance Code , which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to promote a stable banking environment, provide the public with convenient, safe, and competitive banking services, preserve and promote the competitive parity of state savings banks with federal savings banks and other depository institutions in this state consistent with the safety and soundness of state savings banks and the state thrift system, and allow for economic development within this state.

Subtitle C of the Finance Code , §92.063 and §§92.351-92.355, Vernon's Texas Annotated Civil Statutes, are affected by the new sections.

§75.25.Eligible Institution.

An eligible institution is a financial institution that:

(1)

is well capitalized as defined in 12 CFR §325.103;

(2)

received a composite rating of either 1 or 2 as defined by the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (CAMELS) at the most recent examination by the department or federal regulatory agencies, and management is rated either 1 or 2;

(3)

received a CRA rating of satisfactory or above at the savings bank's most recent inspection by the appropriate federal regulatory agency;

(4)

is not operating in violation of a regulatory condition or directive imposed by the state or federal banking regulatory agency; and,

(5)

is not operating under a memorandum of understanding, order to cease and desist, or other state or federal supervisory enforcement order issued by a state or federal banking regulatory agency.

§75.26.Expedited Applications.

(a)

An eligible institution as defined in §75.25 of this title (relating to Eligible Institution) may file an expedited filing in lieu of an application required pursuant to §75.33 of this title (relating to Branch Office Applications), §75.35 of this title (relating to Mobile Facilities), §75.38 of this title (relating to Change of Office Location), or §75.81 of this title (relating to Reorganization, Merger, Consolidation or Purchase and Assumption Transaction), and simultaneously tender the required filing fee pursuant to Chapter 79, §§79.91-79.99 of this title (relating to Fees and Charges).

(b)

An expedited filing must include the following items, unless waived in writing by the commissioner:

(1)

a detailed description of the transaction;

(2)

a pro forma balance sheet and income statement for all parties to the transaction, including adjustments, reflecting the proposed transaction as of the most recent quarter ended immediately prior to the filing of the application, demonstrating that the resulting state savings bank is well capitalized as defined in 12 CFR §325.103;

(3)

a certified resolution of the board and, if required, shareholders approving the proposed transaction;

(4)

copies of all other required regulatory notices or filings submitted concerning the transaction; and,

(5)

a copy of the public notice published in conformity with the section of this subsection that would apply had the applicant not filed an expedited filing.

(c)

The commissioner shall approve or deny an expedited filing on or before a date that is 30 days after the date the expedited filing is deemed complete. The commissioner may, in the exercise of discretion, before the expiration of the period for decision, give the applicant written notice that the commissioner will convene a hearing to obtain evidence related to the application, and the decision will thereafter be made in accordance with §§79.71-79.73 of this title (relating to Hearings).

(d)

The applicant bears the burden to supply all material information necessary to enable the commissioner to make a fully informed decision regarding the expedited filing.

§75.27.Denial of Expedited Treatment.

(a)

The commissioner may deny expedited filing treatment to an otherwise eligible applicant, in the exercise of discretion, if the commissioner finds that the proposed transaction involves significant policy, supervisory, or legal issues; is contingent upon other statutory or regulatory approval; results in an entity that is not a financial institution; or involves an entity that is not domiciled in Texas.

(b)

The commissioner shall provide written notification to the applicant within 15 days after receipt of the application if expedited filing treatment is denied, indicating the reason for denial. Notification is effective when mailed by the commissioner and is not subject to appeal.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 2, 1999.

TRD-9901287

James L. Pledger

Commissioner

Texas Savings and Loan Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 18, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1350


Subchapter C. Additional Offices

7 TAC §§75.31, 75.33, 75.35, 75.37, 75.38

The Finance Commission of Texas proposes to amend 7 TAC §§75.31, 75.33, 75.35, 75.37 and 75.38 regarding additional offices and facilities for state savings banks. The proposed amendment would reduce regulatory burden and update the application procedures for additional offices and facilities.

The proposed amendment to §75.31 updates the requirements for home and branch offices of state savings banks.

The proposed amendment to §75.33 updates the information required in the application for a branch office and the findings required for approval. It also relocates and clarifies the requirement of existing §75.31(b) that submissions related to all facts be signed and sworn to by an officer of the savings bank.

The proposed amendment to §75.35 updates the mobile facilities application requirements, reducing regulatory burden and making the application process for mobile facilities consistent with other office applications.

The proposed amendment to §75.37 provides definitional consistency between a remote service unit under this section and the security provisions for automatic teller machines described in §77.115. The amendment also replaces the application requirement for remote service units with a requirement for approval by the institution's board and notice to the commissioner. This change will make state savings bank requirements consistent with other state and federally chartered financial institutions and will not affect the safety and soundness of the industry.

The proposed amendment to §75.38 clarifies that the section only applies to relocation of home and branch offices. It also codifies and expands an existing Department policy that permits a home office to be relocated to an existing approved branch office and the home office to be retained as a branch office after advance notice is provided to the Commissioner.

James L. Pledger, Savings and Loan Commissioner, has determined that for the first five year period the amended sections as proposed will be in effect, the public will benefit from reduced regulatory burden and there will be no fiscal implications for state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering these sections. Mr. Pledger estimates that, for the first five years the proposed section is in effect, there will be no economic costs as a result of complying with the proposed sections. No difference will exist between the cost of compliance for small businesses and the cost of compliance for the largest businesses affected by these sections.

Comments on the proposed sections may be submitted in writing to James L. Pledger, Commissioner, Savings and Loan Department, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or e-mailed to TSLD@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amended sections are proposed under §11.302 of the Texas Finance Code , which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to promote a stable banking environment, provide the public with convenient, safe, and competitive banking services, preserve and promote the competitive parity of state savings banks with federal savings banks and other depository institutions in this state consistent with the safety and soundness of state savings banks and the state thrift system, and allow for economic development within this state.

Subtitle C of the Finance Code , §§92.001- 92.063, Vernon's Texas Annotated Civil Statutes, is affected by these sections.

§75.31.Establishment and Operation of Additional Offices.

(a)

No [ Except for those additional offices set forth in the alternative procedures established in §75.34, no ] savings bank shall establish , [ or ] maintain or relocate [ an office other than ] its home office or a branch office without the prior written approval of the commissioner. A savings bank's home office shall be the place where a savings bank has its headquarters and from where all of its operations are directed.

(b)

An authorized or approved office of a savings bank shall be the place where the business of the savings bank is conducted, and with the prior consent of the commissioner may include facilities ancillary thereto for the extension of the savings bank's services to the public. Any authorized or approved office of a savings bank shall also mean, with the prior consent of the commissioner, separate quarters or facilities to be used by the savings bank for the purpose of performing service functions in the efficient conduct of its business, but which service functions do not include the acceptance of loan applications or the payment or withdrawal on savings accounts.

(c)

All offices of a savings bank which are located outside the county of the domicile of its home office shall display a sign which is suitable to advise the public of the type of additional office which is located therein (such as branch, loan, or agency office) and the location of the home office of such savings bank.

[ (b)

All statements of fact tendered to the commissioner in connection with an application for an additional office shall be verified as provided in §92.051 of the Texas Savings Bank Act.]

[ (c)

The commissioner shall furnish approved forms of application and other information to aid in the filing of applications for additional offices. Such forms are available from the Department at 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705.]

§75.33.Branch Office Applications.

(a)

Each application for permission to establish a branch office shall state the proposed location thereof; [ the location of other offices of the applicant and other savings banks or savings and loan associations within the community; the need therefor; ] the personnel and office facilities to be provided; and the estimated cost and projected profits [ annual volume of business, income and expense ] of such office [ and shall be accompanied by a proposed annual budget of the applying savings bank ]. Each application for a branch office shall be set for hearing, notice given, hearing held, and decision reached in the same manner and within the time as provided in this chapter for new charter applications and the hearing may be dispensed with under the same conditions.

(b)

All statements of fact tendered to the commissioner in connection with branch office application must be signed and sworn to.

(c)

[ (b) ] The commissioner may not approve an application for a branch office unless he shall have affirmatively found from the data furnished with the application, the evidence adduced at the hearing and his official records that:

(1)

The operation and condition of the applying savings bank affords no basis for supervisory objection.

[ (2)

The proposed operation will not unduly harm any other savings bank or savings and loan association operating in the community of the proposed branch.]

[ (3)

A separate enclosed office area will be provided (such enclosure may be by counters or railing of less than ceiling height).]

[ (4)

The proposed branch office will have qualified full-time management.]

[ (5)

There is a public need for the proposed branch office and the volume of business in the community in which the proposed branch office will conduct its business is such as to indicate a profitable operation to the savings bank within a reasonable period of time.]

(2)

[ (6) ] The character, responsibility and general fitness of the current management [ directors and officers ] of the applicant are such as to [ command confidence and ] warrant belief that the branch office will be operated [ honestly and efficiently conducted ] in accordance with the [ intent and purpose of the ] Act.

(3)

The financial effect of establishing and operating the proposed office will not adversely affect the safe and sound operation of the applying savings bank.

(d)

[ (c) ] The branch office facility will commence operation within a period of 12 months after the date of approval unless an extension is granted, in writing, by the commissioner. No more than one 12-month extension will be approved by the commissioner, unless good cause for such extension is shown. At the end of any approved extension, if the office has not been opened, the authority for such office shall be forfeited.

§75.35.Mobile Facilities.

(a)

Each application for permission to establish a mobile facility shall state the proposed location(s) and times at which the facility will operate; the need therefor; the personnel and office facilities to be provided and the estimated expense of such facility . [ , and shall be accompanied by a proposed annual budget of the applying savings bank. ] Each application for a mobile facility shall be set for hearing, notice given, hearing held, and decision reached in the same manner and within the time as herein provided for new charter applications and the hearing may be dispensed with under the same conditions. An application for permission to establish a mobile facility may not be approved unless the commissioner shall have affirmatively found from the data furnished with the application, the evidence adduced at the hearing, and his official records, all of the findings necessary for approval of a branch office.

(b)

Mobile facilities must be operated consistent with the following requirements:

(1)

(No change.)

[ (2)

The mobile facility shall be established and operated at two or more locations, each of which at the time of filing of the application shall be more than 10 miles from the locations of any home or branch office of any other savings bank or savings and loan association.]

[ (3)

Any such facility shall be open for business at the same location on the same day or days of each week (established holidays excepted) but shall not be consecutive days, during such hours aggregating a total of not less than four hours a day as the institution's board of directors may from time to time determine.]

(2)

[ (4) ] [ The mobile equipment used in the establishment and operation of such facility shall not remain at the site except for business hours approved by the savings bank. Further, each ] Each applicant shall show that adequate safeguards exist for the security [ protection ] of such mobile facility and its content . [ will exist. ] The commissioner may require further safeguards , if in his opinion the proposed safeguards are [ be ] inadequate.

[ (5)

Operation of such facility shall not be conducted at any location after the expiration of such period of time as the commissioner shall prescribe which shall not exceed three years except with subsequent approval of the commissioner.]

§75.37.Remote Service Units.

(a)

Remote service unit is an ATM, as defined by §77.115, [ information-processing device, to be ] operated off-premises of an approved savings bank office . [ , including associated equipment structures and systems, by which information relating to financial services rendered the public is stored and transmitted simultaneously or otherwise to a financial institution. The term includes any facility which for activation and account access requires the use of an activator and personal identifier in the possession of the user and includes on-line computer terminals, and on-line cash dispensing machines and automated teller machines. ] A remote service unit is not an office of the savings bank within the meaning of §92.063 of the Texas Savings Bank Act.

(b)

A savings bank may, to the extent authorized by its board of directors, [ seeking to ] establish and operate, close, or relocate a remote service unit . A savings bank shall file written notice [ an application ] with the commissioner prior to opening, closing or relocating a remote service unit. Upon such notification, the establishment, closing or relocation of the unit shall be deemed approved by the commissioner. [ that includes the following information: ]

[ (1)

The location or address of the proposed remote service unit(s) as well as the address of the existing facility or agency in the county;]

[ (2)

The extent of participation or nonparticipation with other financial institution(s);]

[ (3)

A detailed account of proposed security measures;]

[ (4)

An estimated cost to the association to equip and maintain the operations of the proposed remote service unit; and]

[ (5)

Such other information as may be required by the commissioner.]

[ (c)

Upon receipt of the application the commissioner shall submit a summary of details pertaining to such application for publication in the next issue Texas Register following the date the information is received. If no protest is received, the savings bank may establish or relocate and begin operation of the requested remote service unit on the 31st day after the date the commissioner receives the application, unless the commissioner specifies an earlier or later date, or disapproves the request. If written protest is filed within 10 days following publication, the commissioner shall provide the applicant and protestant with 10 days notice of hearing, set and hold the hearing, and decide the matter in the same manner and within the time as provided in this chapter for new charter applications.]

[ (d)

The commissioner may approve an application for a remote service unit if he has affirmatively found from data furnished with the application, his official records, and the evidence adduced at any hearing, that security of the savings bank's funds and that of its account holders will be maintained, the operations and condition of the applying savings bank affords no basis for supervisory objection, the proposed operation will not unduly harm any other savings bank or savings and loan association operating in the community of the remote service unit, and the proposed service will be a substantial convenience to the public.]

§75.38.Change of Home or Branch Office Location.

(a)

A savings bank may not move its home office or any branch office [ any office ] beyond its immediate vicinity without prior approval of the commissioner. Immediate vicinity is the area included within a radius or distance of one mile from the present location of such office. Any relocation within the immediate vicinity as defined in this section will require the approval of the commissioner, if the office to be relocated has not been open for business at its present location for more than two years.

(b)

Notwithstanding (a), a savings bank may retain its existing home office as a branch office and relocate its home office to another established branch office by providing the commissioner with prior written notice. Upon such notification, the establishment of such office shall be deemed an approved administrative office of the bank.

(c)

[ (b) ] Each application for such approval shall state the exact proposed new location of the office to be relocated . [ and shall be supported with statements, exhibits, maps, and other data, properly verified under oath, which shall be sufficiently detailed and comprehensive to enable the commissioner to pass upon the factors for approval. Such supporting ] Supporting data shall [ also ] include estimates of the cost of removal to and maintenance of the new location.

[ (c)

The commissioner may not approve an application to move or relocate any office of a savings bank, unless he shall have found from the data furnished with the application, the evidence adduced at the hearing, and his official records, all of the findings necessary for approval of a branch office.]

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The commissioner may not approve an application to move or relocate any office of a savings bank, unless he shall have found from the data furnished with the application, the evidence adduced at the hearing, and his official records, all of the findings necessary for approval of a branch office.

[ (e)

This section does not apply to offices set forth in §75.34 of this title (relating to Loan Offices and Administrative Offices).]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 2, 1999.

TRD-9901286

James L. Pledger

Commissioner

Texas Savings and Loan Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 18, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1350


Chapter 79. Miscellaneous

Subchapter F. Fees and Charges

7 TAC §§79.92, 79.100, 79.102, 79.107

The Finance Commission of Texas proposes to amend 7 TAC §§79.92, 79.100, 79.102, and 79.107 regarding the reduction of fees and charges for applications by state savings banks to coincide with proposals submitted concurrently. The revised fees more accurately reflect the review and processing time involved with the respective applications and maintain a fee schedule competitive with federal regulatory agencies.

The proposed amendment to §79.92 reduces the fee for a branch office application from $2,500 to $1,500. This fee applies to an application that does not qualify for expedited treatment.

The proposed amendment to §79.100 removes the fee for remote service units since the Department's concurrent proposal would reduce remote service unit application to a notice filing in §75.37. In its place, fees are proposed for expedited applications authorized in new §75.26, proposed separately. The expedited application fee proposed for a branch office is $500, $250 for an office relocation, $2,500 for a reorganization, merger or consolidation, and $2,000 for a purchase and assumption transaction.

The proposed amendment to §79.102 reduces from $2,500 to $1,500 the fee for an application by a savings bank for permission to make an initial investment in a subsidiary corporation pursuant to §§77.91 through 77.95.

The proposed amendment to §79.107 reduces the fee for holding company registration from $5,000 to $2,000. A holding company registration must be filed within 90 days of becoming a state savings bank holding company pursuant to §79.41.

James L. Pledger, Savings and Loan Commissioner, has determined that for the first five year period the amended sections as proposed will be in effect, the public will benefit from more competitive application fees, and there will be no fiscal implications for state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering these sections. Mr. Pledger estimates that, for the first five years the proposed sections are in effect, there will be reduced economic costs as a result of complying with the proposed sections. No difference will exist between the cost of compliance for small businesses and the cost of compliance for the largest businesses affected by these sections.

Comments on the proposed sections may be submitted in writing to James L. Pledger, Commissioner, Savings and Loan Department, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705-4294, or e-mailed to TSLD@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amended sections are proposed under §11.302 of the Finance Code , which authorizes the commission to adopt rules to promote a stable banking environment, provide the public with convenient, safe, and competitive banking services, preserve and promote the competitive parity of state savings banks with federal savings banks and other depository institutions in this state consistent with the safety and soundness of state savings banks and the state thrift system, and allow for economic development within this state.

Subtitle C of the Finance Code , ?91.007 Vernon's Texas Annotated Civil Statutes, is affected by the amended sections.

§79.92.Fee for Branch Office.

Applicants for branch offices under §75.33 of this title (relating to Applications) shall pay a fee of $1,500 [ $2,500 ]. This fee shall be paid at the time of filing and shall include the cost of filing, and processing of said application. In addition, the applicants shall pay the cost of a formal record and any cost incurred by the department in connection with the hearing, investigation and travel expenses.

Fees for Expedited Applications. [ Fee for Remote Service Unit Application. ]

Applicants for expedited applications under §75.26 of this title (relating to Expedited Applications) shall pay the following fees: branch office $500; mobile facilities $500; office relocation $250; reorganization, merger or consolidation $2,500; and, purchase and assumption transactions $2,000. All fees shall be paid at the time of filing and shall include the cost of filing, processing, and hearing of said application. [ Applicants for a remote service unit under §75.37 of this title (relating to Remote Service Units) shall pay a fee of $500 per application. This fee shall be paid at the time of filing and shall include the cost for filing and processing said application. ]

§79.102.Fee for Subsidiaries.

The commissioner shall collect a fee of $1,500 [ $2,500 ] for each application by a savings bank for permission to make an initial investment in a subsidiary corporation pursuant to §§77.91-77.95 of this title (relating to Loans and Investments) to cover the processing and investigation of such applications, and an additional fee of $100 for each office other than the home office of a subsidiary that is applied for. The commissioner shall collect a fee of $500 for service corporation application to engage in a new activity; $300 for redesignation of an operating subsidiary; and $100 for each application by a savings bank to change the name of a subsidiary or the location of a subsidiary office.

§79.107.Fee for Holding Company Registration.

The commissioner shall collect a filing fee of $2,000 [ $5,000 ] for each application filed pursuant to §79.41 of this title (relating to Holding Companies) as registration of a holding company.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 2, 1999.

TRD-9901285

James L. Pledger

Commissioner

Texas Savings and Loan Department

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 18, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 475-1350