§ 6-203. Designation of financial institution for banking services

   (a) In general. -- The Treasurer shall give 15% of the weight of the decision to the standards established in this section in deciding whether to:

   (1) designate a financial institution as a depositary for State money under § 6-205 of this subtitle; and

   (2) make an agreement with a financial institution for a banking service under § 6-229 of this subtitle.

(b) Consideration of examination rating. --

   (1) The Treasurer shall consider whether the financial institution received a rating of "needs improvement" or "substantial noncompliance" in its most recent examination under the federal Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, P.L. Number 95-128.

   (2) If a financial institution operates in a state other than Maryland, the Treasurer shall consider Maryland-specific information that is provided within the assessment area section of the Community Reinvestment Act report.

(c) Violation of antidiscrimination statute or regulation. --

   (1) The Treasurer shall consider whether, during the previous 5 years, a court in Maryland has found, in a final adjudication, that a financial institution has violated any antidiscrimination statute or regulation.

   (2) The Treasurer may consider whether, during the previous 5 years, a court outside Maryland has found, in a final adjudication, that a financial institution has violated any antidiscrimination statute or regulation.

   (3) The Treasurer may determine how to assess a violation under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection if the violation was committed by:

      (i) an affiliate of the financial institution; or

      (ii) an entity acquired by the financial institution.

(d) Assistance to small and minority-owned businesses. -- The Treasurer shall consider whether the financial institution has demonstrated that during the previous 5 years, the financial institution has:

   (1) successfully made loans in Maryland through State or federal lending programs designed to assist small and minority-owned businesses;

   (2) had an active outreach program to assist small and minority-owned businesses through which the financial institution has made efforts in Maryland; and

   (3) established strategic partnerships in Maryland with entities whose mission is to provide technical assistance to small and minority-owned businesses.

HISTORY: 2006, ch. 309.