Lawmakers insisted they wanted to keep this year’s legislative session a low-key affair, but there was still plenty to talk about on Jan. 23 at the IBA’s Legislative Briefing and Reception. Nearly 150 bankers and associate members attended the annual event at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis for insights on roughly a dozen bills of interest to our industry, and to engage in grassroots advocacy with 32 lawmakers who came for the evening reception.
Bills reviewed included:
- SB 188 – Actions on Deposit Accounts
- HB 1183 – Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land
- HB 1209 – Rule Against Perpetuities
- HB 1212 – Land Banks
- HB 1400 – Bullion Depositories and Legal Tender
- SB 28 – Discriminatory Practices of Financial Institutions
- HB 1084 – Privacy of Firearms Financial Transactions
- HB 1130 – Economic Development Districts
- HB 1165 – Regulatory Sandbox Program and Right to Start Act
- SB 200 – Nonprofit Loan Center Loans for State Employees
- SB 220 – Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
- HB 1284 – Deposit Account Agreements
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. Fourteen 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, 78% of IBA-member banks participated in raising funds for the PAC through corporate or personal donations, with 69 meeting their fair share goal.
The top awards went to First Savings Bank, Jeffersonville, and Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, Jasper, 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 March 5, and will be reported on in the May/June issue of Hoosier Banker. Other events still on the calendar this year include the IBA Annual Washington Trip, scheduled for Sept. 23-25, and our annual regional meetings. 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.
Dax Denton, Chief Policy Officer, Indiana Bankers Association
Dax has been a lobbyist with the IBA since 2008. Away from the office, he serves on the Boy Scouts Crossroads of America Council Board. Dax graduated from Indiana University, the IBA Leadership Development Program and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.
Email Dax at DDenton@indiana.bank.
Ross Teare, Vice President – Government Relations, Indiana Bankers Association
Ross joined the IBA in October 2021. He analyzes issues, reviews legislation, builds relationships with policymakers and enhances IBA’s grassroots advocacy. Ross also heads up the IBA’s BankLEAD internship program and efforts to grow banking programs at Indiana colleges. He graduated from Butler University and the IBA Leadership Development Program.
Email Ross at RTeare@indiana.bank.
