In Brief: N. Dakota Bill Would Limit Groups' Expansion

The North Dakota Bankers Association is pushing a bill in the state Senate that would rein in credit union expansion.

Resentment over the growth of a few large credit unions fueled the association's action, said James D. Schlosser, executive vice president.

"There's been an erosion of common bond in this state and throughout the country," he said. "We feel there should be a common bond."

The bill would prohibit any expansion that was inconsistent with the credit union's original membership base, he said.

"If they're a credit union for teachers in one part of the state, they shouldn't be able to serve a community 300 miles away," Mr. Schlosser said.

Under the proposal, expansions would be required to serve public convenience, and bankers worried about an adverse impact could oppose any new addition in hearing.

"It's a fairness issue," said Mr. Schlosser. Currently, banks in North Dakota can't protest credit union expansions while credit unions can try to block a bank origination or expansion.

North Dakota Credit Union League officials did not return phone calls.