Legislative Update with Jay Kruse

SD legislative session continues this week, with one bill of interest to credit unions. Plus, there’s still time to sign up for our SD Legislative Day in Pierre next week! 

Good Morning!

South Dakota 96th legislative session continues this week after taking a break on Monday in observance of MLK Jr. Day. When I say break, I mean the legislature was not in session, but that doesn’t mean many legislators weren’t still hard at work. The House Select Committee on Investigation held its third and fourth meetings, Special Session on Impeachment of state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, Monday and Tuesday afternoon in the Capitol to continue the review of investigation materials and redactions of public disclosures. These meetings will continue this afternoon as well.

Bills continue to trickle into the legislative research council’s website at a fairly slow pace, but I’m anticipating things to pick up in the very near future. As of early this morning 79 bills have been introduced in the House and 87 in the Senate. Just to put those numbers in perspective, last year there was a total of 283 bills introduced in the House and 195 in the Senate. Like I said, expect things to pick up as the last days for the introduction of individual and committee bills are quickly approaching on Feb. 3rd and 4th.

HB 1061
The only bill of particular interest to credit unions that has been introduced so far is HB 1061: An Act to codify an advisory committee for the appraisal certification program. This bill will create a new section of code directing the Department of Labor and Regulation to establish an advisory committee for purposes of soliciting input from appraisers, financial institutions, and other experts in the areas of appraisal certification program administration, in order to sustain a program that is consistent with applicable federal and state requirements.

This committee would consist of ten members, including "One financial institution representative;" which has the potential to be filled by a professional from within the credit union industry. Each committee member would serve a three-year term. This bill will receive its first hearing in the House Commerce and Energy Committee on Monday, January 24th at 10:00am.

Don’t Forget to Register!
South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day is one week away! But, don’t worry there is still time to register and attend this very important SD Credit Union event that will be taking place on January 26, 2022, at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre. We have a full day planned for our attendees which will culminate with our Legislative Social, bringing Legislators and Credit Union Professionals together to discuss the issues facing SD credit unions while enjoying some food and refreshments. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get to know and build your relationship with your elected officials in Pierre. Check out the full agenda below.

January 26 Agenda
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - SD GAC Meeting
          (Invitation Only/Lunch Provide) - Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center.
1:30 p.m. - Meet at the Capitol
          Photo/CUs Recognized in the Legislative Chambers.
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - CU Roundtable – Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
          Join us to receive a credit union industry update and hear from some guest speakers. 
5:30 p.m. too 7:30 p.m. - Legislative Social - Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center
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As always, this is a free event, but we do ask you to sign up so we can plan accordingly. Just click here to register! We are expecting to host a large group this year as we get back to hosting an in-person events and hope to see you next week!
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Don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy related questions.

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