3. a. An application by a person for the approval of the commissioner to obtain control of a capital stock savings bank, to offer to acquire beneficial ownership or control of more than 25% of the voting shares of a capital stock savings bank, or to acquire beneficial ownership or control of more than 25% of the voting shares of a capital stock savings bank shall be made on a form provided by the commissioner. The commissioner shall give notice to the capital stock savings bank involved in the proposed transaction and, upon request, shall send a copy of the application to the capital stock savings bank within five business days of receiving the application. If the commissioner decides to hold a hearing on the application, the notice shall include the hearing date established pursuant to subsection b. of this section.

No later than 10 days after the date upon which a completed application is filed with the commissioner, the applicant shall cause to be published a notice of application for control of a capital stock savings bank. This publication shall be made in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the capital stock savings bank has its principal office. The notice shall include whatever information the commissioner, by regulation, deems to be necessary and appropriate.

b. The commissioner may hold a hearing on the application within 60 days of receipt of the completed application. If the commissioner decides to hold a hearing on the application, the commissioner shall notify the applicant as to the date of the hearing within five business days of the date the commissioner receives the completed application. The hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) and any rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner.

L.1987,c.201,s.3; amended 1995,c.24,s.3.