32-1-372. Branch bank. (1) A bank may establish and maintain branch banks, as provided in 32-1-371 and this section. The formation and operation of a branch bank, wherever located, by a bank organized under the laws of this state require the prior approval of the department. A bank organized under the laws of this state may establish, acquire, or operate a branch bank or other office outside this state if approved by the department and if permitted by the laws of the jurisdiction where the branch bank or office is to be located.
     (2) 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.
     (3) A bank authorized to do banking business in this state may use a satellite terminal, as defined in 32-6-103, at any location permitted by the Montana Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
     (4) 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.
     (5) A bank located in this state may provide services for other banks located in this state, whether or not those banks are affiliates.
     (6) A bank may establish and maintain branch banks, as provided in 32-1-371 and this section. However, this section may not be interpreted to authorize de novo interstate bank branching and may not be interpreted to authorize a bank not located in this state to establish, acquire, or operate 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; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 36, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 15, L. 2005.