A.  It shall be unlawful for any person maliciously to make, circulate, or transmit to another person any statement, rumor, or suggestion which is directly or by inference derogatory as to the financial condition or which affects the solvency of any financial institution doing business in this state, or to counsel, aid, procure, or induce another to make, circulate, or transmit any such statement or rumor.

B.  Truth of the statement made shall be a defense to the crime set forth in this Section.

C.  Whoever violates this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

Acts 1986, No. 371, §1.