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HOUSE 6775118th CongressReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.

Public Banking Act of 2023

Last Action
12/15/2023

Actions

  • 2023-12-15Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.
  • 2023-12-13Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2023-12-13Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2023-12-13Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2023-12-13Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • 2023-12-13Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H6865)
  • 2023-12-13Introduced in House
  • 2023-12-13Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2023-12-13 (00)

Public Banking Act of 2023

This bill allows for the federal charter of public banks (i.e., banks that are wholly owned and controlled by a state, tribe, or local government).

Under the bill, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System must charter public banks or recognize non-federally chartered banks if they meet certain criteria. These public banks are eligible for membership in the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve must offer specified services to member public member banks, including grants, payment accounts, digital dollar services, and facilities for credit, loans, and liquidity.

These public banks must have a democratic governance structure, establish an environmental policy, and comply with certain lending policies. For example, these public banks must require that loan recipients do not oppose or resist unionization efforts involving projects that utilize public funds. Public banks under the bill are also prohibited from providing financial services to certain companies, including those that (1) support specified industries such as gun manufacturers or fossil fuel producers; (2) have unfair or unsafe labor practices; or (3) have a history of tax avoidance. 

The bill also requires the establishment of a regulatory framework for the federal recognition of securities issued by public banks.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation must provide unlimited deposit insurance to federally recognized public banks.

The United States Postal Service must partner with these public banks to provide account and payment services at post offices.

Cosponsors (7)

  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
  • Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
  • BARBARA LEE (D-CA)
  • JANICE SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL)
  • Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
  • Greg Casar (D-TX)
  • Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)

Subjects

  • Air quality
  • Bank accounts, deposits, capital
  • Business expenses
  • Business records
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Climate change and greenhouse gases
  • Consumer credit
  • Corporate finance and management
  • Credit and credit markets
  • Currency
  • Digital media
  • Federal Reserve System
  • Financial services and investments
  • Government corporations and government-sponsored enterprises
  • Housing and community development funding
  • Insurance industry and regulation
  • Interest, dividends, interest rates
  • Licensing and registrations
  • Oil and gas
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.