Legislative & Regulatory Update

​John Alexander joins NCSL to discuss rising homeownership costs. Plus, a first-time visit to Medora; volunteering at Standing Rock; and more. 

by John Alexander, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
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Credit Unions Advocate for Affordable Housing at NCSL Convention
At the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky, held from August 5th to the 7th, representatives from credit unions across the country gathered to discuss the critical issue of rising homeownership costs. This event provided a platform for legislators, staff, and policy experts to collaborate and share insights on pressing legislative issues, including economic development and housing affordability. Among the attendees were prominent North Dakota legislators, such as State Senator Dick Dever and State Representatives Karen Karls and Mike Nathe, who engaged in discussions highlighting the significant role credit unions play in creating affordable housing opportunities. The convention underscored the vital contributions credit unions make in fostering a stable and equitable housing market, reinforcing the importance of continued advocacy and collaboration at both the state and national levels.

North Dakota: A Place That Stirs the Heart
After a busy week in Kentucky, I finally took some time to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Driving through, we were amazed by the countless prairie dog mounds—a wild sight unlike anything we’ve ever seen in Bismarck. We stopped for lunch on a rock overlooking the park, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, before making our way to Medora. There, we sipped freshly squeezed lemonade, listened to a local bluegrass band, and enjoyed the rodeo—a first for Colleen, who grew up in D.C. Watching the crowd stand for the national anthem, hats off and voices strong, made the moment even more special.

That evening, we attended the Medora Musical, which showcased some incredible set designs and, of course, a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt’s spirit. Even though the plot was a bit hard to follow, the sense of North Dakota history was strong, and it reminded me why this state is so special.

We ended our weekend on a truly meaningful note by heading down to South Dakota. Grace Point Church had been gathering backpacks for children on the Standing Rock Reservation, and we had the chance to help deliver them and teach a class. Handing out the bags and seeing the kids' smiles as they picked their favorites was an experience that words can hardly capture. The gratitude, peace, and joy in their laughter opened my heart a little more than before. If you have any volunteer events that give back to the community, email me—I’d love to help out! 

ViClarity Webinar: Cracking The Case - A Closer Look at Fraud Claims & P2P Services 
Is your credit union unsure of how to handle peer-to-peer (P2P) claims, or when you are required to investigate? Ponder no more! Join ViClarity Compliance Officer Sabrina Ducksworth-Brown on September 26 at 1:00 p.m. (CT) as she explains the regulatory landscape surrounding P2P transfers, common P2P payment platform scams, the nuances of P2P transfers and how to handle fraud claims for Zelle, Cash App, Apple Pay, Venmo and other P2P payment platforms. Register Here. Recording will be available to league members following the live event.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any legislative or regulatory concerns.