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Last week, the NBA Government Relations Committee met to analyze and provide positions on legislation introduced this legislative session to the NBA Board of Directors for final approval. The committee and board met in conjunction with the NBA State Government Relations Forum.

NBA State Bill Summaries:

Support & Oppose

Watch

In addition to the measures on the NBA's affirmative legislative agenda, the NBA Bill Summaries include legislation regarding cash transfers from the Financial Institution Cash Fund, data privacy and sweeping tax reforms, just to name a few.

The board also approved an associate member application from RESULTS Technology.

The NBA State Government Relations Forum is an annual event that provides a platform for bankers and legislators to engage in meaningful conversations about issues pertinent to banks and the communities they serve. The NBA was fortunate to host nearly 30 state senators who joined the bankers for lunch during the event. Bankers also heard from Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Director Kelly Lammers, a panel of state senators and Governor Jim Pillen.

Sen. Danielle Conrad (Lincoln) and Sen. Fred Meyer (St. Paul) were among the legislators who spent time with bankers at the NBA State Government Relations Forum. Bankers greeted the state senators as they arrived for lunch.

While your association provides several opportunities to become engaged in the government relations process, one of the easiest ways to participate is through the annual NBA BankPAC Auction. Your generous donations are part of the NBA's "Trickle-Down Theory" of legislative success.

Here's how the "Trickle-Down Theory" works:

1. You make a donation to the NBA's Online Auction.
2. Another banker successfully bids on the item.
3. Funds grow in the NBA'S State BankPAC.
4. Pro-banking candidates receive dollars from the State BankPAC.
5. Those candidates are elected as state legislators.
6. Legislative success!

Support the NBA's government relations efforts by participating in this year's Online Auction during the NBA Annual Convention, May 8-10 at La Vista Embassy Suites. Listed below are examples of auction items donated for the 2023 Online Auction, which raised over $14,000 toward NBA State BankPAC.

• Golf packages
• Creative gift baskets
• Patio grills
• Prints & artwork by Nebraska artists
• Sporting event tickets: Broncos football, Kansas City Royals baseball, and much, much more

To donate an item, contact Jennifer Heaton at the NBA at jennifer.heaton@nebankers.org or 402-474-1555 or use the donation form.

Legislative, Policy and Regulatory Updates

Bank Term Funding Program to Stop Making New Loans

The Bank Term Funding Program is set to conclude new loan issuance on March 11 as planned. Until that date, the program remains active, providing eligible institutions with an additional source of liquidity through ongoing loan availability.

Learn More

OCC Proposes Updating Rules for Bank Mergers

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced a proposed rule aiming to eliminate the time limit for automatic approvals of bank mergers under its supervision. The agency also released a policy statement outlining its approach to evaluating future merger and acquisition applications. The emphasis is on distinguishing between mergers that can undergo swift approval and those warranting more thorough scrutiny. The OCC clarified that the statement is perceived as a summary of existing policy rather than the establishment of new standards.

Read the Proposed Rule

ABA Seeks Participants for Deposit Insurance Survey

The American Bankers Association (ABA) is surveying members to gather information on depositor behavior and deposit balances. The information will be used to support an informed discussion about deposit insurance reform proposals.

Take the Survey

Bank On Your Future

Talent and Workforce Development

Whether your bank wants to build an internship program or is looking for full-time employees, the NBA has resources available to help you find the perfect fit for your team.

Internship Resources

Recruiting Resources

Jan. 24 - 30

Email your news, press releases, photos and/or newspaper articles to be published in Banks & Bankers. Send content to news@nebankers.org.

Review Alliance

Did you now that there is an exception to alphabetical order listings on the Loan Estimate?

Learn More

Compliance Alliance

Q: Are UDAAP audits required annually?

Learn More

For more information about Review Alliance or Compliance Alliance, contact Jennifer Heaton at the NBA at jennifer.heaton@nebankers.org or 402-474-1555.

Registration Open for ABA Financial Education Campaigns

The ABA has launched its four financial education campaigns: Teach Children to Save, Get Smart About Credit, Safe Banking for Seniors, and the Lights, Camera, Save! video contest for 2024. The programs are free to both ABA member and non-member banks.

Learn More