When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
- (1) APPROPRIATE STATE OR FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCY. The state or federal agency that is statutorily responsible for the supervision of all or part of the operations of a participating financial institution.
(2) DEPOSITOR. An individual member or customer of a financial institution who meets all of the following requirements:
- a. Maintains a qualifying account at a financial institution participating in a savings promotion contest.
- b. Is in good standing at a financial institution authorized to do business in Alabama.
- c. Is 18 years of age or older.
- (3) ENTRY. A chance or chances obtained by a depositor to win a designated prize or prizes in a savings promotion contest by complying with the terms and conditions of a savings promotion contest.
- (4) FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. A bank, savings institution, or credit union authorized to do business in Alabama under federal or state law.
- (5) PARTICIPATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. A financial institution, as defined above, that is sponsoring a savings promotion contest.
(6) QUALIFYING ACCOUNT. A savings account or other savings product that is offered by a participating financial institution and that meets all of the following requirements:
- a. Allows deposits to be made by a depositor.
- b. Is evidenced by periodic statements that are delivered to the depositor or are available to the depositor through electronic access.
- c. Has an interest rate that is similar to, and not less than, the interest rates of other comparable nonqualifying accounts.
(7) SAVINGS PROMOTION ACCOUNT. A contest or promotion sponsored by a financial institution or a group of financial institutions in which a chance of winning designated prizes is obtained by a depositor when the depositor either:
- a. Deposits a specified amount of money or makes a specified number of deposits into the depositor’s qualifying account.
- b. Participates in one or more savings products or programs.
(Act 2017-406, §2.)