Bill > H62

This bill introduces a new law to prevent discrimination against agricultural producers in financial services by prohibiting banks from denying, restricting, or canceling services based on an agricultural producer's environmental practices, such as greenhouse gas emissions or use of fossil-fuel powered machinery. The bill defines key terms like "agriculture producer" (a person engaged in crop or livestock production) and "ESG commitment" (a bank's involvement in environmental, social, or political initiatives). If a bank with an ESG commitment related to agriculture denies service to an agricultural producer, there is a legal presumption of discrimination, which the bank can only overcome by proving the decision was based solely on documented financial considerations. The bill extends these protections to various financial institutions, including state savings banks, savings associations, and credit unions, and provides enforcement mechanisms that allow the Commissioner or an agricultural producer to bring civil actions with potential penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Any civil penalties collected will be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. The law becomes effective immediately upon enactment and applies to acts committed on or after that date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H62