HB 227 - AS INTRODUCED
2023 SESSION
23-0344
08/10
HOUSE BILL 227
AN ACT relative to fair access to financial services.
SPONSORS: Rep. Bernardy, Rock. 36; Rep. Greeson, Graf. 6; Rep. Hill, Merr. 2; Rep. Hobson, Rock. 14; Rep. Kofalt, Hills. 32; Rep. Porcelli, Rock. 19; Rep. L. Turcotte, Straf. 4; Rep. Spillane, Rock. 2; Rep. Weyler, Rock. 14; Rep. Ammon, Hills. 42; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23
COMMITTEE: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
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ANALYSIS
This bill prohibits banks and financial institutions from engaging in discriminatory practices when providing financial services.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
23-0344
08/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three
AN ACT relative to fair access to financial services.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Purpose and Findings. The general court recognizes and protects the rights of New Hampshire citizens including the freedom of speech and association. To that end, the general court finds:
I. That these rights may be infringed when financial institutions limit access to financial services for any reason other than objective financial criteria; and
II. The protection of the rights of New Hampshire citizens and businesses, including financial freedom, is a fundamental role of government and any limitations on access to financial services based on non-traditional criteria would not only threaten the rights and proper privileges of New Hampshire citizens and businesses but would also be a menace to the institutions and foundation of a free democratic state and a threat to the peace, order, health, safety, and general welfare of the state and its inhabitants.
2 New Section; Fair Access to Financial Services. Amend RSA 383-A by inserting after section 7-701 the following new section:
383-A:7-701a Fair Access to Financial Services.
I. In order to provide fair access to financial services, a bank or financial institution shall:
(a) Make each financial service it offers available to all persons in the geographic market served by the financial institution on a non-discriminatory basis.
(b) Not deny any person a financial service the financial institution offers except to the extent justified by such person’s documented failure to meet quantitative, impartial risk-based financial standards established in advance by the financial institution. Denials shall be for “ordinary business purposes."
(c) Not deny any person a financial service the financial institution offers, other than as provided in subparagraph (b), when the effect of the denial is to prevent, limit, or otherwise disadvantage the person:
(1) From entering or competing in a market or business segment; or
(2) In such a way that benefits another person or business activity in which the
financial institution has a financial interest.
(d) Not deny, in coordination with another person, any person a financial service the financial institution offers.
II. Any financial institution who violates paragraph I shall be guilty of an unfair or deceptive business practice under RSA 358-A:2.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2024.