By the Division of Banks  July 9, 2004  The purpose of this
guidance is to address questions which have been raised relative
to any potential disruption that may be caused by the Democratic
National Convention (DNC) in Boston during the last week of July
2004 and its potential impact on state-chartered banks and
credit unions.  State-chartered banks and credit unions in
Massachusetts are authorized by law to close banking offices on
an emergency temporary non-mandatory basis. Pursuant to G.L. c.
167 §21 (available at, and as more fully described in Regulatory
Bulletin 2.1-105 (available at, under such circumstances the
final determination to close offices rests with the institution
itself. The closing of banking offices does not have to be
reported to or approved by the Commissioner of Banks, although a
brief written notification to the Division is often provided
voluntarily under such circumstances. Should a bank or credit
union deem it necessary to close branches as a result of the DNC
written notification