Tennessee Senate Bill SB0146

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Engrossed: 3/6/23
• Enrolled: 3/14/23
• Passed: 3/31/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 9-1-107, relative to collateral on government deposits.

Impact

If enacted, SB 0146 will impact how financial institutions manage government deposits, particularly the collateral requirements for deposits that exceed federally insured limits. By specifically detailing acceptable forms of collateral and placing limits on the percentage of a bank's assets that can be allocated to government deposits, the bill seeks to safeguard public funds while ensuring sound banking practices. As it stands, no more than 5% of a bank's assets can back deposits from any single depositor, and overall limits are set at 10% for all depositors combined. This amendment is expected to facilitate better risk management in the financial sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 0146 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 9-1-107, which pertains to the collateral required on government deposits. The bill proposes that government deposits exceeding the limits of insurance must be secured by acceptable collateral. This includes collateral that is defined as eligible under existing legislation, or through an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a federal savings bank. The legislative intent is to enhance security for government deposits and clarify the types of collateral that can be used.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 0146 appears to be generally positive among legislative members, as indicated by the unanimous approval during voting, where it received 95 votes in favor and none against. Such overwhelming support suggests that lawmakers view the legislation as a necessary measure to bolster financial security for government deposits and improve clarity in banking regulations. However, some scrutiny may arise from stakeholders within the banking industry concerning the impact of new regulations on operational flexibility.

Contention

While the bill has garnered strong support, there may be concerns regarding the specific limits imposed on collateralization of deposits. Financial institutions might perceive these constraints as potential obstacles for managing their asset allocations. Additionally, while the bill does enhance protections for government funds, stakeholders in the banking sector could argue that it may inadvertently restrict their ability to compete or operate effectively if similar regulations are not applied uniformly across all financial institutions. The debate here hinges on balancing security with the operational needs of banks.