As state legislative sessions wind down around the country, Leagues have seen multiple legislative wins, both in getting pro-credit union bills passed and stopping bills that would negatively impact credit unions.

The Illinois state legislature passed several Illinois Credit Union League-backed amendments to the state’s Credit Union Act.

These include amendments to:

• Outline duties and responsibilities of associate directors;
• Allow credit unions to more fully support credit union service organizations;
• Authorize the use of brand references in a merger context;
• Expand service to the economically disadvantaged through loans to and investments; and  in
• Authorize virtual meetings

The Illinois League also secured passage of amendments to the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act in favor of financial institutions as holders of unclaimed property.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law recently that gives state-chartered financial institutions parity with federally chartered ones when it comes to giving consumers a second chance.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network helped craft the bill to allow state-chartered institutions to offer checking accounts to consumers that have had accounts closed within the preceding 12 months due to dishonored checks or check-related criminal offenses.

It passed the Minnesota Senate and House unanimously before being sent to Walz.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu recently signed an omnibus legislative filing into law that addresses the responsibilities of credit union directors and officers.

The Cooperative Credit Union Association testified in support of the bill throughout the legislative process and worked with the Commissioner of Banks to build a consensus and advance the measure.

Other recent state-level wins for Leagues and credit unions include:

• Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards Louisiana signed into law a Louisiana Credit Union League-supported bill allowing state-chartered credit unions to compensate members of the board of directors and supervisory committee.
• In Missouri a Heartland Credit Union-backed bill passed that makes several reforms to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans.
• The Nevada Credit Union League helped defeat several bills that would have placed additional regulatory requirements on credit unions
• The New York State Legislature passed a New York Credit Union Association-supported bill authorizing New York credit unions to participate in a public deposit program. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also recently signed a bill protecting federal stimulus money for individuals and families and extending and increasing the state’s foreclosure moratorium.
• The Cornerstone Credit Union League saw a big win in Oklahoma for state-chartered credit unions with a reduction in the “privilege tax” credit unions and bank associations pay in the state.
• The Ohio Credit Union League testified in support of a rent and utility assistance bill and Gov. Mike DeWine sent the League a pen from the bill’s signing to recognize their work on the legislation.
• In Oregon, Northwest Credit Union Association-backed bills gave state credit unions parity with federal ones, update merger provisions, and update identification requirements.
• South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed a Carolinas Credit Union League-backed charter enhancement bill, as well as a League-backed bill designed to combat suspected financial abuse.