(a)        Each board of trustees shall designate as the official depositories of the institution one or more banks, savings and loan associations or trust companies in this State. It shall be unlawful for any money belonging to an institution, other than moneys required to be deposited with the State Treasurer, to be deposited in any place, bank, savings and loan associations, or trust company other than an official depository except as permitted in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115D-58.6(a1). However, public moneys may be deposited in official depositories in Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) accounts where permitted by applicable federal or State regulations.

(b)        Money deposited in an official depository or deposited at interest pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115D-58.6(a1) shall be secured in the manner prescribed in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 159-31(b). When deposits are secured in accordance with this subsection, no public officer or employee may be held liable for any losses sustained by an institution because of the default or insolvency of the depository. ?(1981, c. 157, s. 1; c. 612, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 8.20(b).)