Iowa House Bill HF311

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to requirements for, and regular meetings of, the board of directors of a state bank.(Formerly HSB 95.)

Impact

The amended requirements will impact how state banks organize their boards. By imposing residency requirements on a subset of board members, the bill aims to strengthen local governance of these institutions while also affirming the importance of national citizenship. This change may bolster public trust in state banks by assuring constituents that their banks are managed by individuals who are familiar with the local economy and community dynamics.

Summary

House File 311 seeks to amend the existing regulations governing the board of directors of state banks in Iowa. The bill stipulates that the board must consist of five or more directors who are at least 18 years old, with a requirement that a majority of the board members be citizens of the United States. Importantly, it also mandates that at least three of the directors must be residents of Iowa, thereby ensuring that local interests are represented at the leadership level of these financial institutions.

Conclusion

Overall, HF311 represents a legislative effort to refine the governance structure of state banks in Iowa, emphasizing local representation while ensuring all directors uphold certain citizenship standards. The emphasis on regular meetings—at least nine times a year with a minimum of one meeting each quarter—highlights a commitment to active and ongoing oversight of banking operations, which is crucial for the health of the state's financial system.

Contention

Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of HF311, there may be points of contention among stakeholders in the banking sector. Some advocates for greater flexibility might view the residency requirements as a limitation that could hinder the ability of state banks to recruit experienced directors from outside Iowa. There might also be discussions regarding the implications of these changes on governance practices, particularly in terms of how often the board must meet.