As we write, lawmakers are furiously working to get as many bills heard and voted on before their early adjournment. A December start to session for legislators to debate proposed changes to the state’s congressional districts will result in adjournment sine die at the end of February.
That shifted timetable also moved up our annual Legislative Briefing & Reception to February 4. Nearly 160 bankers and associate member employees gathered at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis for insights on 27 bills of interest to our industry, and to engage in grassroots advocacy with more than a dozen lawmakers who came for the evening reception.
Bills reviewed included:
- Interchange prohibition – HB 1215
- Public funds deposits – SB 289
- Medical debt – SB 85 & HB 1051
- Consumer fee disclosure – HB 1324
- Cryptocurrency investment – HB 1042
- Crypto ATM regulation – HB 1116
- Stablecoin regulation – HB 1217
- Garnishments – SB 197
- Reorganization of consumer lending laws – SB 169
- Immigration matters – SB 76, SB 122
- Auto dealers and delivery of title – HB 1153
- Housing legislation – HB 1001
- Licensure of collateral recovery entities – HB 1272
- State administered retirement program – SB 24
- First-time home buyer account – HB 1403
- Probate matters – SB 71
- Tax increment financing – SB 278
- Local government finance / sales tax on services – HB 1288
- Penny elimination and local governments – TBD
- Social security number search requests – HB 1280
- Income tax credits – SB 281
- Grain shortages, payments / Salamonie mill – HB 1305
- Requirements for proxy advisors – HB 1273
- International money wiring fee – HB 1229
- Deed Fraud – SB 253
Earlier in the day, the Board of Directors met with the IBA Government Relations Committee to strategize how best to tackle the issues presented by these bills before a luncheon with guest speaker Tom Fite of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
After those discussions, Indiana BANKPAC’s strongest supporters were recognized for their efforts. A dozen banks were recognized with the BANKPAC 200% Club award, which is given to banks that contribute at least twice their fair share amount. In total, 76% of IBA-member banks participated in raising funds for the PAC through corporate or personal donations, with 64 meeting their fair share goal.
The top awards went to First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, and NWSB, Charlestown, for the most dollars raised and the highest percentage of fair share raised, respectively. The IBA’s Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee greatly appreciate the support of all IBA-member banks in this crucial endeavor.
After the awards presentation, attendees were treated to a panel discussion with the cast of WFYI’s Indiana Week in Review. Panelists offered a close look at the politics driving legislative efforts at the Statehouse from both partisan and nonpartisan viewpoints.
The annual IBA Legislative Briefing and Reception signals the start of the Association’s grassroots advocacy calendar for the year. The Future Leadership Division’s Day at the Statehouse took place one week later on Feb. 10.
Other events still on the calendar this year include the IBA Annual Washington Trip and our series of regional meetings. Keep an eye on your email for dates on those events when they are finalized. Please continue to join with your colleagues in giving a strong voice to the Indiana banking community through grassroots advocacy events like these and more.
