Louisiana seeking to put cap on banks' share of deposits.

ATLANTA -- Lousiana's House of Representatives has passed a bill pushed by community bankers that would limit the deposit market share held by any single banking company.

But the legislation -- aimed at out-of-state interlopers -- has stalled in the state Senate, making passage unlikely before the legislature adjourns within the next few weeks.

"We're going to have a tough time," said Bob Mathews, executive vice president of the Community Bankers of Louisiana, which represents 115 of the state's 220 banks.

Eye on Premier Bank

The bill would place a 25% statewide cap on deposits held by any one bank holding company.

Mr. Mathews said the legislation is aimed, in particular, at Premier Bancorp, a Baton Rouge bank that has sold Banc One Corp. an option to buy it by 1995.

Community bankers believe the Ohio-based giant may buy Premier and subsequently acquire a major New Orleans bank to become the state's dominant financial institution, Mr. Mathews said.

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