New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04818

Introduced
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  

Caption

Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.

Summary

Bill A04818 proposes amendments to the general municipal law and banking law in New York, allowing credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations, and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations. The bill outlines a gradual increase in the amount of public funds that local governments can deposit in these institutions over several years, starting from $500,000 in 2026 and reaching up to $5 million by 2031. Additionally, it mandates the Department of Financial Services to conduct a study on the impact of this change and report its findings by 2031. The legislation aims to diversify the financial institutions eligible to hold municipal deposits, which could enhance competition among banks and credit unions. It also includes provisions for community investment, requiring credit unions that accept municipal deposits to invest a portion of those funds back into the community, particularly in low-income areas. This is intended to support local businesses, affordable housing, and community services, thereby fostering economic development at the local level. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after becoming law, with specific sections expiring on December 31, 2031. This temporary nature allows for a review of its effectiveness and impact on the banking landscape in New York. The gradual increase in deposit limits is designed to give institutions time to adapt to the new regulations and ensure that they can manage the additional deposits responsibly.

Impact

If enacted, Bill A04818 will significantly alter the landscape of municipal finance in New York by expanding the types of financial institutions that can accept public deposits. This change could lead to increased competition among banks and credit unions, potentially resulting in better interest rates and services for local governments. The requirement for community investment may also enhance the social responsibility of these financial institutions, aligning their operations more closely with the needs of the communities they serve. Overall, the bill aims to create a more inclusive financial environment for local governments while promoting community development.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04818 appears to be generally positive, with support from various stakeholders who see the potential benefits of allowing more financial institutions to accept municipal deposits. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications for traditional banks and the potential risks associated with diversifying deposit holders. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further discussions may reveal more nuanced opinions from different sectors of the banking and municipal finance communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from traditional banks that could view this bill as a threat to their market share, particularly if credit unions and other institutions are perceived to be receiving preferential treatment in terms of deposit acceptance. Additionally, there may be concerns about the security of municipal funds in these institutions, especially regarding the adequacy of the required collateral for public deposits. Stakeholders such as local governments, banks, and credit unions will likely have differing perspectives on these issues as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

NY S03066

Same As Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.

Previously Filed As

NY S01453

Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.

NY A03246

Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.

NY S03066

Allows credit unions, savings banks, savings and loan associations and federal savings associations to accept and secure deposits from municipal corporations.

NY A01605

Establishes the savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union municipal deposit program.

NY S06050

Establishes the savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union municipal deposit program.

NY H5615

Kingstree Federal Savings and Loan

NY A03539

Establishes the savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union municipal deposit program; defines terms; provides that a credit union accepting deposits of public money is subject to certain limitations and shall pledge assets or furnish other security satisfactory in form and amount to the depositor, for the repayment of monies held in the name of such depositor, when required to be secured by applicable law, decree, or regulation.

NY S03962

Establishes the savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union municipal deposit program; defines terms; provides that a credit union accepting deposits of public money is subject to certain limitations and shall pledge assets or furnish other security satisfactory in form and amount to the depositor, for the repayment of monies held in the name of such depositor, when required to be secured by applicable law, decree, or regulation.

NY S1116

Kingstree Federal Savings and Loan

NY HB2090

Establishing the Kansas employee emergency savings account (KEESA) program to allow eligible employers to establish employee savings accounts, providing an income and privilege tax credit for certain eligible employer deposits to such employee savings accounts and providing a subtraction modification for certain employee deposits to such savings accounts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.