HR 4544

American Access to Banking Act

Summary

American Access to Banking Act This bill requires federal financial regulators to review and streamline the application process for the formation of de novo, or new, depository institutions or credit unions. Regulators must (1) review the application process; (2) to the extent practicable, collect necessary information from other agencies in order to minimize requests for applicant information; and (3) review how de novo financial intuitions raise capital while maintaining investor protections, including the impact of restrictions on raising capital. At the request of an applicant, regulators must (1) designate an employee as a caseworker to assist in the application process, and (2) provide a list of similar institutions interested in serving as a mentor. Each regulator must also develop a state and stakeholder engagement plan to assist interested parties with understanding the relevant regulatory processes.

Bill status

Status
Passed House
Sponsor
Rep. Maxine Waters [D-CA-43]
Cosponsors
0
Policy area
Finance and Financial Sector
Introduced
2025-07-17
Latest action
2026-05-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Committee referrals

Recent actions

  • 2026-05-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • 2026-05-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • 2026-05-20: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 4 (Roll no. 178).
  • 2026-05-20: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 4 (Roll no. 178).
  • 2026-05-20: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3645)

Votes