Sec. 3. (a) Subject to this section, a savings bank is entitled to establish one (1) or more branches de novo and one (1) or more branches by acquisition in any location or locations within Indiana.

     (b) A branch de novo may not be established under this section without the written approval of the department. A savings bank desiring to establish one (1) or more branches de novo under this section must file a written application to do so in the form, and containing the information, required by the director.

     (c) The department may approve or disapprove the application. Before the department approves the application, the department shall determine to its satisfaction that the applicant savings bank will have adequate capital, sound management, and adequate future earnings prospects after the establishment of the branch. The investigation of the department relative to any application as required by this section shall be conducted without a public hearing.

     (d) The location of a branch established under this section may be changed at any time to a location within Indiana when the change of location is authorized by the board of the savings bank and approved by the department.

     (e) Except as provided in IC 28-6.1-6-23, a savings bank organized, reorganized, or operating under IC 28-6 (before its repeal) before January 1, 1993, may not establish a branch by acquisition.

     (f) A savings bank created as a result of a conversion under IC 28-1-30 may retain all branches in existence on the date of conversion.

     (g) The department may establish criteria to exempt a savings bank from the approval requirements described in this section.

As added by P.L.42-1993, SEC.72. Amended by P.L.122-1994, SEC.98; P.L.192-1997, SEC.14; P.L.62-1999, SEC.4; P.L.69-2018, SEC.52.