Legislative Update with Kenley

Housing reform stalls as the ROAD Act is dropped; credit unions push on housing and Trump Accounts.

By Kenley Lamberty, DakCU Director of Political Strategy and Engagement

Senate-Passed ROAD to Housing Act Stripped From House NDAA; Credit Unions Urge Separate Path Forward
The bipartisan Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025, which passed unanimously through the Senate and was included in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was removed from the House’s final version of the NDAA delaying what supporters hailed as the most significant federal housing overhaul in a decade.
 
For credit unions, the ROAD Act offers key opportunities. It proposes to streamline financing and reduce regulatory barriers for affordable and manufactured housing. The bill also enhances U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded housing counseling programs which many credit unions provide—through new performance metrics, additional training, and consumer education support.
 
With the Act now excluded, House lawmakers are drafting a standalone companion, tentatively called the “Housing for the 21st Century Act,” which retains much of the ROAD Act’s content. That bill is slated for review by the House Financial Services Committee later this month. Advocates, including regional leagues and America’s Credit Unions, remain optimistic the legislation will emerge next year—ensuring credit unions can leverage its provisions to better serve members facing housing challenges.
 
Trump Accounts
Under current Treasury guidance, any institution approved as an IRA trustee or custodian may offer Trump Accounts, which suggests credit unions are eligible if they meet existing requirements. However, America’s Credit Unions wants clear confirmation to ensure credit unions can participate without regulatory ambiguity.
 
Trump Accounts provide a $1,000 federal contribution for children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, with parents allowed to contribute up to $5,000 annually. These accounts function as custodial trusts until age 18, then convert to an IRA-like structure.
 
DakCU and America’s Credit Unions argue that credit unions are uniquely positioned to administer these accounts, citing their strong compliance frameworks, consumer protection standards, and mission-driven focus on member financial well-being. Both organizations have formally requested Treasury to include credit unions in its forthcoming guidance.
 
Event Reminder: South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day – February 11
Join us in Pierre on February 11 for South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day! We’ll start the morning at the Capitol with coffee and donuts for legislators, followed by the SD GAC annual meeting, a group photo in the Rotunda, and formal introductions on the House and Senate floors. Later in the day, we’ll host a Legislative Leadership Panel and wrap up with a networking social to strengthen relationships with lawmakers and fellow credit union advocates. This is a free event for DakCU members, but we do ask you to kindly register in advance so we can plan accordingly. Rooms are available at the ClubHouse Hotel and Suites under the DakCU block—call to reserve 1-833-372-9713.

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For more information or to share your perspectives, feel free to contact me.