SB3235: FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS-STUDY

Legislative Summary

Amends the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act. Requires the Commission on Equity and Inclusion to conduct studies to: (1) identify and delineate geographies in Illinois exhibiting significant disparities by protected classes as identified by the Human Rights Act with respect to access to financial products or services and lending and investments by covered financial institutions; (2) identify policies, procedures, patterns, or practices that have or may have a disparate impact or discriminatory effect; and (3) identify opportunities for establishing and growing Banking Development Districts in geographic locations where there are the greatest underbanked and unbanked populations and opportunities for partnerships between depository institutions and local communities. Authorizes the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation to implement the findings and other results from such studies into the examination process through rules adopted in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Provides that any costs incurred by the Commission in conducting such studies shall be subject to appropriation. Directs the Commission to provide reports of its findings and furnish copies of the reports to the General Assembly and the Secretary. Requires the results of every study performed under the Act to be publicly available on the websites of the Commission and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that the Commission may contract with a qualified person or entity to design and conduct the studies. Amends the Commission on Equity and Inclusion Act. Provides that the Commission is responsible for completing those studies under the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act. Effective January 1, 2025.