Lawmakers are navigating a new governor at the helm and a restricted budget as forecasts predict lower tax receipts, particularly in the second year of the next biennial budget cycle. With several non-budget bills that could also impact financial institutions in the state, there was plenty to talk about on Feb. 4 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 20 bills of interest to our industry and to engage in grassroots advocacy with dozens of lawmakers who came for the evening reception.

Bills reviewed included:

• HB 1523 – Public Depositories
• HB 1427 – Department of Local Government Finance (Trust Indiana)
• SB 235 – Limitations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• HB 1528 – Discrimination in Providing Financial Services
• HB 1074 – Firearms Financial Transactions
• HB 1001 – State Budget
• HB 1038 – ESOP-linked Deposit Program
• HB 1519 – Workforce Housing Assistance Program
• HB 1441 – Bank Accounts for Foster Children
• HB 1081 – Distributions to Charitable Beneficiaries
• HB 1125 – Earned Wage Access Services
• HB 1229 – Local Government Finance (Sales Tax on Services)
• HB 1614 – Bullion Depositories
• SB 412 – Payment Card Interchange Fees
• HB 1032 – Foreign Interests
• HB 1033 – Retainage Requirements
• HB 1174 – Charges for Supervised Loans
• SB 317 – Healthcare Debt and Cost
• SB 464 – Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit (DFI)
• SB 513 – State-administered Retirement Program

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 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 March 4 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 Oct. 5-7, and our annual regional meetings, which will also take place this fall. 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.