Chapter 4.5. Bank Extraordinary Situation Closing of California Financial Code >> Division 1.1. >> Chapter 4.5.

This chapter is known and may be cited as the "Bank Extraordinary Situation Closing Act."

"Extraordinary situation" means any condition or occurrence, other than as set forth in Section 592, that may interfere or is inconsistent with the conduct of normal business operations at one or more offices of a bank or which poses a threat to the safety or security of persons or property, or both.

Whenever the commissioner determines that an extraordinary situation exists anywhere in this state the commissioner may, by proclamation, authorize banks located in the affected area or areas to close any or all of their offices. The office or offices so closed shall remain closed until the commissioner proclaims that the extraordinary situation has ended or until such earlier time as the officers of the bank determine that one or more closed offices should reopen and in either event for such further time thereafter as may reasonably be required to reopen.

(a) Whenever the officers of a bank are of the opinion that an extraordinary situation exists which affects or may affect one or more of a bank's offices, they shall have the authority in the reasonable and proper exercise of their discretion to determine not to open such offices on any business or banking day, or, if such offices have opened to close one or more of them during the continuation of such extraordinary situation even if the commissioner has not issued and does not issue a proclamation of extraordinary situation. The office or offices so closed shall remain closed until such time as the officers determine with respect to each such office that the extraordinary situation has ended and for such further time thereafter as may reasonably be required to be reopened; however, in no case shall such office or offices remain closed for more than 48 consecutive hours excluding other legal holidays without requesting the approval of the commissioner nor, in case such request is denied by the commissioner, for more than 24 consecutive hours excluding other legal holidays after such denial.
  (b) The officers of a bank may close one or more of the bank's offices on any day or days designated for mourning, rejoicing, or other special observance by proclamation of the Governor or the President of the United States.

A bank closing an office or offices pursuant to the authority granted under subdivision (a) of Section 1093 shall give prompt notice of its action to the commissioner, by any means available.

Any day on which a bank or any one or more of its offices is closed pursuant to the authorization granted by this chapter shall be, with respect to such bank or any of its offices which are closed, a legal holiday for all purposes with respect to any banking business of any character. No liability, or loss of rights of any kind, on the part of any bank or director, officer, or employee thereof, shall accrue or result by virtue of any closing authorized by this chapter.

Provisions of this chapter shall be construed and applied as being in addition to, and not a substitution for, or limitation of, any other law of this state or the United States authorizing the closing of a bank or excusing the delay by a bank in the performance of its duties and obligations because of extraordinary situations or conditions beyond the bank's control or otherwise.