Pub. 8 2019 Issue 4

July/August 2019 15 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s Act (CRA); and 4) explaining the impediments to the formation of de novo banks. The bankers were able to meet with staff members of FinCEN to urge their consideration of making updates to the Bank Secrecy Act and adopting a seasoned customer exemption as they relate to the filing of CTRs. The group met with members of the Appraisal Foundation and the Appraiser Qualifications Board to express its concern with the shortage of certified appraisers in mostly more rural areas of Kansas. There were assurances that the Board is looking at allowing potential certified appraisers the option of getting qualifying hours from a simulation tool rather than having to rely on finding mentors to shepherd them to the end. As the group turned its focus on Capitol Hill, the topics discussed included: 1) thanking members for supporting the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act (ECORA) and asking those not co-signing to please do so; 2) supporting Congressional efforts to stop and study the effects of CECL; 3) asking for support of efforts to protect Kansas consumers by establishing a strong national data security and privacy standard for all entities; and 4) asking for their support of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to allow banks in states where some form of cannabis or hemp is legal to offer related businesses banking services. Even though the work week was shortened by the acknowledgement of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, all groups of constituent bankers were able to spend time with their members of Congress, and the entire group was attentive when meeting with Senator Roberts’ and Senator Moran’s legislative staff. With there being so many topics on the forefront, Federal Affairs Committee Chairman, Ron Johnson, President and CEO of Community National Bank, Seneca, commented, “Our timing could not have been better to be able to address the importance of the ECORA Act, the study of CECL prior to implementation and getting more certified appraisers in, especially, the rural areas of Kansas. The bankers did a great job of making their case for all of these issues, making the trip a success.” Colin Brainard, Chief of Staff for Cong. Steve Watkins, pauses for a photo with Leonard Wolfe (United Bank & Trust, Marysville) and KBA Vice Chairman Jonathon Johnson (Home Savings Bank, Chanute) during the KBA’s reception. Rep. Steve Watkins (front, center; 2nd District) took time to pose with Kansas bankers after discussing his support for ECORA and the SAFE Banking Act. Cong. Ron Estes (4th District) was warmly greeted by bankers during the KBA’s reception. Pictured left to right are Brad Elliot (Equity Bank, Wichita), Cong. Estes, Tyler Walden (Allen, Gibbs & Houlik L.C., Wichita) and Don Reinsch (Central National Bank, Junction City). Kansas bankers respond to a question from John Miller, Deputy Associate Administrator with the Small Business Administration, and offered recommendations for streamlining loan guarantee processes. Frank Suellentrop (standing; Legacy Bank, Wichita) and other 4th District bankers encourage Congressman Ron Estes to co- sponsor the ECORA Act. Kyle Campbell (standing; Astra Bank, Abilene) encourages representatives from FinCEN to modernize reporting thresholds for SARs and CTRs. Cong. Roger Marshall (1st District) discusses trade issues and their impact on ag producers with Kansas bankers. Kent Needham (standing; First Security Bank, Overbrook) gave a personal example of the negative impact of HMDA reporting requirements to representatives from the CFPB. Shan Hanes (right; Heartland Tri- State Bank, Elkhart) poses a question to Sen. Roberts’ staff on the need for clarification of laws pertaining to banking cannabis related businesses. Gary Yager (center; VisionBank, Topeka) relates his experience as a de novo bank to staff of the FDIC and offers suggestions for eliminating barriers to possible bank startups.