Your Leadership Link

Updates on federal and state advocacy efforts, key regulatory developments, and national legislative activity ahead of GAC.

From the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) and America's Credit Unions 

Your Dakota Credit Union Association continues working alongside America’s Credit Unions and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues on the national level to focus on issues that matter most to our credit unions and your membership. Here are a few key updates highlighting how these efforts support Dakota credit unions and their communities.

Advocacy Update: Key Federal & State Issues to Watch Ahead of GAC
As we move into America’s Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference (GAC), several important advocacy efforts are underway that could significantly impact credit unions.
 
llinois Interchange Law: Appeal Filed
Following a court decision largely upholding the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA), America’s Credit Unions, in partnership with the Illinois Credit Union League and other plaintiffs, has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
 
The ruling created a concerning split:

• Federal preemption was granted on provisions related to data usage
• Preemption was denied on interchange fee provisions

Congressional & Administrative Update
State of the Union Monitoring
America’s Credit Unions will closely follow the President’s State of the Union address and provide updates on any comments affecting financial services.
 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Car Loan Interest Deduction Proposal
Head of Regulatory Advocacy America’s Credit Unions Head of Regulatory Advocacy, James Akin, will testify at a public hearing at the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding proposed IRS rules tied to House of Representatives Bill 1 implementation. His testimony will reflect concerns outlined in America’s Credit Unions recent comment letter.
 
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) on Capitol Hill
NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman is scheduled to testify Thursday before the Senate Banking Committee. America’s Credit Unions will also engage ahead of this hearing and share updates with credit unions.
 
Fraud Protection Hearing During GAC
Coinciding with GAC, a credit union representative will testify before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, highlighting how credit unions work to protect members from fraud and offering policy recommendations. The hearing is set for March 5.
 
Upcoming Legislation
We are awaiting the introduction of a bill that would update the definition of community financial institution for the Federal Home Loan Banks. America’s Credit Unions President Scott Simpson will provide a statement of support once introduced.
 
Regulatory Update
The National Credit Union Administration is expected to release the next round of proposed changes under its Deregulation Project this week. America’s Credit Unions will issue comment alerts as member feedback becomes needed. Multiple Regulatory Comments are already open with due dates beginning March 2.
 
Consumer Messaging & Public Outreach
Consumer survey data continues to show strong public support for credit unions. Recent op-eds by Scott Simpson in the Washington Times and CUDaily highlight this momentum and reinforce the message that credit unions are trusted financial partners—especially in affordability discussions.
 
Your Association will continue to closely monitor these developments and advocate on behalf of our member credit unions at every step. Our team remains engaged with federal and state policymakers, national system partners, and regulatory agencies to ensure the priorities of Dakota credit unions are clearly represented. We will keep you informed as legislative and regulatory actions evolve and provide timely updates to support your strategic decision-making.
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Staying Engaged
For questions please contact DakCU Interim President/CEO, George McDonald; DakCU Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, John Alexander; or Director of Political Strategy and Engagement, Kenley Lamberty.