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H.R.478 / 119th Congress

Promoting New Bank Formation Act

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 64.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 16, 2025

Promoting New Bank Formation Act

This bill eliminates and reduces certain requirements applicable to new depository institutions, certain rural community depository institutions, and federal savings associations.

Federal banking agencies must issue rules allowing a new depository institution or depository institution holding company three years to meet capital requirements. During this period, a depository institution or its depository institution holding company may request to deviate from an approved business plan, and the appropriate agency has 30 days to approve or deny the request.

In addition, the community bank leverage ratio—a way of evaluating debt levels—is reduced for new rural community depository institutions. Specifically, new rural community depository institutions must have a ratio of 8%, with a three-year phase-in of the rate. After this period, the ratio rises to its current level of 9%. 

Finally, the bill removes certain restrictions to allow federal savings associations to invest in, sell, or otherwise deal in agricultural loans.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6] · R–KY

Committees

  • Financial Services Committee
24 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 64.

  2. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-90.

  3. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-90.

  4. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 21.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

  6. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Sep 19, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.478 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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