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ND Legislative Update by Kayla Pulvermacher, State Legislative Director How is it already March? It seems like just yesterday it was December 1st, and I was starting my first day with the organization. As of today, I’ve been at Dakota Credit Union Association for three months and already have half a legislative session under my belt. Time sure does fly by when you’re having fun! I’ve really enjoyed learning the vast landscape of issues that affect credit unions, and I can confirm that I’m still learning new things every day. During the 2021 Legislative Session, DakCU has been tracking around 30 bills that have an impact on credit unions. Of those 30, we have placed a significant emphasis on 10 bills. The following is a short recap on the bills that saw the most action from the organization, so that you can get a feel for what the 2021 Legislative Session has been focused on. This session we have spent quite a bit of time on issues involving agriculture; these bills mostly dealt with insolvencies and mediation. HB 1026 made changes to the Agriculture Department’s authority on intervening on a suspected insolvency. The original bill made changes to the assets that may be seized and included real property; the financial community suggested changes that narrowed their ability to seize all assets to just the grain that is still on the premises. The bill has passed the House and has already been heard in the Senate where it received a “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Agriculture Committee. HB 1172 didn’t have as successful of a story. The bill sought to make changes to Agricultural Mediation and Negotiation Services. At one point, the bill sponsor offered amendments to change the bill to require banks and credit unions to go through mediation. The bill eventually went to a subcommittee and ultimately received a “do not pass.” It failed on a vote of the House. SB 2223 was probably the strangest piece of legislation that I’ve worked on as a lobbyist, mostly because I’ve never seen a bill take on so many forms. It began as a bill that made changes to the Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure process. Before the bill even had its hearing, it received amendments that changed it into a bill to affect those farmers who had federal debt management plans from 2006. It received another set of amendments before the bill was voted on, but ultimately, those amendments were not taken up. The bill received a “do not pass” from the Senate Political Subdivisions Committee and failed the Senate. Finally, I want to update you on HB 1366, as it has received the most attention from our association. In its original form, the bill allowed a repair shop to charge unlimited fees and transportation costs, on top of any repairs, to their priority lien against a vehicle or equipment. The financial community offered amendments that required repairmen to follow provisions and protections that are required under Uniform Commercial Code, which the bill lacked. However, because of last minute amendments attached to the bill, repairmen would now be able to add up to 60% more in repair costs on a piece of property because they would have to notify any lienholders. DakCU worked hard and legislators received about 100 (!) emails from our members, opposing the changes and ultimately the legislation. Unfortunately, the House did pass the legislation and we will be again working on it in the Senate. To see the full list of priority bills we’re tracking, please visit the Advocacy Page on DakCU’s new website. Before I sign off this week, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to every member that took the time to write an email to their local legislator. You have no idea how much impact this has! As a grassroots organization, we get to work as a team, and to know that you have so many people that have your back and are ready to work when called upon, it makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for all you do!
ND Legislative Update
by Kayla Pulvermacher, State Legislative Director
How is it already March? It seems like just yesterday it was December 1st, and I was starting my first day with the organization. As of today, I’ve been at Dakota Credit Union Association for three months and already have half a legislative session under my belt. Time sure does fly by when you’re having fun! I’ve really enjoyed learning the vast landscape of issues that affect credit unions, and I can confirm that I’m still learning new things every day.
During the 2021 Legislative Session, DakCU has been tracking around 30 bills that have an impact on credit unions. Of those 30, we have placed a significant emphasis on 10 bills. The following is a short recap on the bills that saw the most action from the organization, so that you can get a feel for what the 2021 Legislative Session has been focused on.
This session we have spent quite a bit of time on issues involving agriculture; these bills mostly dealt with insolvencies and mediation. HB 1026 made changes to the Agriculture Department’s authority on intervening on a suspected insolvency. The original bill made changes to the assets that may be seized and included real property; the financial community suggested changes that narrowed their ability to seize all assets to just the grain that is still on the premises. The bill has passed the House and has already been heard in the Senate where it received a “do pass” recommendation from the Senate Agriculture Committee. HB 1172 didn’t have as successful of a story. The bill sought to make changes to Agricultural Mediation and Negotiation Services. At one point, the bill sponsor offered amendments to change the bill to require banks and credit unions to go through mediation. The bill eventually went to a subcommittee and ultimately received a “do not pass.” It failed on a vote of the House.
SB 2223 was probably the strangest piece of legislation that I’ve worked on as a lobbyist, mostly because I’ve never seen a bill take on so many forms. It began as a bill that made changes to the Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure process. Before the bill even had its hearing, it received amendments that changed it into a bill to affect those farmers who had federal debt management plans from 2006. It received another set of amendments before the bill was voted on, but ultimately, those amendments were not taken up. The bill received a “do not pass” from the Senate Political Subdivisions Committee and failed the Senate.
Finally, I want to update you on HB 1366, as it has received the most attention from our association. In its original form, the bill allowed a repair shop to charge unlimited fees and transportation costs, on top of any repairs, to their priority lien against a vehicle or equipment. The financial community offered amendments that required repairmen to follow provisions and protections that are required under Uniform Commercial Code, which the bill lacked. However, because of last minute amendments attached to the bill, repairmen would now be able to add up to 60% more in repair costs on a piece of property because they would have to notify any lienholders. DakCU worked hard and legislators received about 100 (!) emails from our members, opposing the changes and ultimately the legislation. Unfortunately, the House did pass the legislation and we will be again working on it in the Senate.
To see the full list of priority bills we’re tracking, please visit the Advocacy Page on DakCU’s new website.
Before I sign off this week, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to every member that took the time to write an email to their local legislator. You have no idea how much impact this has! As a grassroots organization, we get to work as a team, and to know that you have so many people that have your back and are ready to work when called upon, it makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for all you do!