Legal Counsel

Informing credit union officials on statutory matters and providing guidance to assist credit unions in handling legal matters is an Association function significant to every credit union. The Association retains legal counsel for authoritative interpretation of state laws, credit union bylaws, and judicial rulings. Also available to credit unions is an extensive index of legal opinion files, allowing credit unions to review prior attorney opinions.

In addition, the Association has access to the legal counsel of CUNA for interpretations of federal laws and statutes and their impact on credit union operations.

Legislative Lobbying

Credit unions are creatures of law. They are created as a result of enabling legislation, and they operate under conditions and limitations clearly defined in either state or federal statute. Consequently, Association participation in the legislative activity has a direct affect on the operation of credit unions in the Dakotas.

The Association president is a lobbyist in all North and South Dakota state and federal matters.

Legislative development, expansion, and protection are key benefits that credit unions receive through Association participation. The Association’s alliance with CUNA establishes a permanent liaison with national legislators in Washington, DC, and through CUNA’s staff there. In addition, the Association participates in national legislative initiatives such as CUNA’s Hike the Hill program and the National GAC Conference.

Legislative Updates

The Association communicates regularly during the legislative sessions to keep people apprised of activities regarding the legislature through email and fax notices. The timely information is used to inform credit union legislative representatives, and at times, request action of those persons. You can sign up to receive these communications electronically by subscribing to our legislative alerts email.

Regulatory Liaison

The Association has a close relationship with the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government through its Region V office in Austin, Texas. The NCUA regulates federally-insured credit unions in the Dakotas. The Association also has a close relationship with the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions which regulates state-chartered credit unions in North Dakota. These close relationships assure credit union representation in all regulatory matters.