1. Applicability. The provisions of this chapter govern the establishment of a branch office or agency by a financial institution subject to the laws of this State.
2. Statewide branching. Subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this chapter, a financial institution may establish a branch anywhere within this State, except that a financial institution may not establish a branch within 1.5 miles of any location of an affiliate where the affiliate engages in commercial activity and may not conduct any commercial activity at any branch.