32-1-372. Branch bank. (1) A bank may establish and maintain branch banks, as provided in 32-1-371 and this section, at any place within the state. The formation and operation of a branch bank by a bank organized under the laws of this state require the prior approval of the department.
     (2) A branch bank formed under this section may not be closer than 200 feet to a branch bank operated by any other commercial bank or closer than 300 feet to the main banking house of any other commercial bank, the measurement to be made in a straight line from the closest points of the closest structures involved. The distances specified in this subsection may be decreased by written agreement of the banks involved.
     (3) A branch bank may but is not required to offer all services and conduct all business authorized to be offered or conducted by the bank.
     (4) A bank authorized to do banking business in this state may use a satellite terminal, as defined in the Montana Electronic Funds Transfer Act, at any location permitted by the Montana Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
     (5) A bank may continue to maintain and operate all branch banks and other banking offices, including detached facilities, that are in existence or authorized on July 1, 1997, without further consent, authorization, or approval of the department or the board. All offices established and maintained by a bank, other than the main banking house, at which deposits are received, checks are paid, or money is lent must be considered branch banks for all purposes under this title.
     (6) A bank located in this state may provide services for other banks located in this state, whether or not those banks are affiliates.
     (7) This section may not be interpreted to authorize a bank not located in this state to establish, operate, or maintain a branch bank in this state.

     History: En. Sec. 101, Ch. 89, L. 1927; re-en. Sec. 6014.112, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 39, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 80, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 170, Ch. 431, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 22, Ch. 503, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 5-1028; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 322, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 15, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 401, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 307, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 117, L. 1997.