32-1-423. Real estate that banks may purchase, hold, or convey. (1) A bank organized under the provisions of this chapter may purchase, hold, or convey real estate that:
     (a) is for its accommodation in the transaction of its business, but it may not invest an amount exceeding 50% of its paid-up capital and surplus in the lot and building in which the business of the company is or is projected to be carried on, furniture, equipment and fixtures, vaults and safety vaults, and boxes necessary or proper to carry on its banking business, provided that property held for future use as a bank office site is held pursuant to a business plan adopted by the directors of the bank;
     (b) is mortgaged to it in good faith by way of security for loans previously made or money due to the bank;
     (c) is conveyed to it in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in the course of its business;
     (d) it purchases at sales under judgments, decrees, or mortgages held by the bank.
     (2) Real estate acquired in the manner set forth in subsections (1)(c) and (1)(d) may not be held longer than 5 years from the date of acquisition, unless special written permission to do so is granted by the department. The real estate must be carried on the books of the bank for an amount not greater than its cost to the bank, including costs of foreclosure and other expenses of acquiring title.

     History: En. Sec. 25, Ch. 89, L. 1927; re-en. Sec. 6014.29, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 431, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 71, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 5-504; amd. Sec. 27, Ch. 395, L. 1993.