New Hampshire Credit Union Legislative Amendment Successes

In February, the Cooperative Credit Union Association successfully lobbied on behalf of two issues that would directly impact credit unions including merchant coding and drivers’ licenses scanning and storing. Each of the bills and next steps is outlined below. 

• HB 1186 which would prohibit the use of specific merchant codes for firearm purchases. As drafted, the bill would have included credit unions as card issuers rather than the card processor (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) Language was included in an amendment that excluded card issuers and put the focus directly on the card payment processors, essentially exempting state and federally chartered credit unions from the bill. This amendment was adopted unanimously by the policy committee and will move on to the House floor next week. There may be additional changes in the future, but will watch to make sure our exemption language stays intact.
• HB 1273 would have prohibited the scanning and storing of driver’s licenses for any purpose with almost no exemptions. Amendment language was introduced exempting credit unions from recording and retaining drivers licenses when it's required by law. The committee has indicated interest in adopting the plan, and we will continue to watch the bill, which remains in committee for a vote. The bill is not likely to pass the Senate or come for a vote, regardless of House action. 

We continue to follow these bills, and share updates with you as they arise. Thank you for your continued support of the credit union industry and our members.