NC H784

Banks are prohibited from refusing or discriminating in provision of financial services based solely on a person's political affiliation or value-based/impact-based criteria including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credit factors and social credit scores.

Banks may offer investments, products, or services based on subjective standards only if those standards are fully disclosed and explained to customers before entering a contract, with written customer signature attesting to the disclosure.

Banks retain the ability to discontinue or refuse business with a person when necessary for the physical safety of bank employees.

Persons denied services in violation of this section may bring an action for injunctive relief in superior court, with courts imposing a civil penalty of $10,000 against violating banks, trebled if the violation was willful.

Provisions apply to banks, credit unions, state associations, and state savings banks organized under North Carolina General Statutes, effective upon passage.