For purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions apply:

(1)  "Branch" means a banking house, other than the main banking house, maintained and operated by a mutual association doing business in the state and at which deposits are received, checks are paid, or money is lent. The term does not include a satellite terminal, as defined in 32-6-103, MCA, a loan production office, or the office of an affiliated depository institution acting as an agent under 12 U.S.C. 1828.

(2)  "Consolidate" means a combination of two or more office locations within the same immediate neighborhood that does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served.  Thus, for example, a consolidation of two branches on the same block following a merger would not constitute a branch closure.  Mutual associations that are in doubt about whether a consolidation or a closure has occurred should consult the department.  A consolidation is considered a relocation for purposes of ARM 2.59.2033 and 2.59.2037.

(3)  "Customer" means a person who opened an account at the branch location in question, is currently associated with that branch, or whose address is within the same municipal area as the branch, as the mutual association determines is appropriate.

(4)  "Loan production office" means a staffed facility, other than a branch, that provides lending-related services to the public, including loan information and applications.

(5)  "Principal city" means an area designated as a "principal city" by the federal Office of Management and Budget.

(6)  "Relocate" means a movement within the same immediate neighborhood that does not substantially affect the nature of the business or customers served.  Generally, relocations involve movement over a short distance.

(7)  "Short distance" means:

(a)  within a 1,000-foot radius of the current location of the branch if it is located within the principal city of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA);

(b)  within a one-mile radius of the current location of the branch if the branch is not located within a principal city, but is within an MSA; or

(c)  within a two-mile radius of the branch if it is not located in an MSA.