Eliminating the credit union tax exemption wasn't at the top ofthe Independent Community Bankers of America's legislativepriorities list for this year, but it did rank higher than theprotection of the banking industry's own pass-through Subchapter Stax exempt charter.

The ICBA announced its annual priorities Wednesday during itsannual convention in Las Vegas, which it said has drawn more than3,300 attendees.

Like legislative prioritiesreleased earlier this year by credit union trade associations, theICBA's list is heavy on regulatory reform. The community bankers'reg relief wish list includes exempting banks with $50 billion orfewer assets from Basel III capital requirements, reforms to Consumer FinancialProtection Bureau regulations on mortgages and mortgage servicing,consistent standards in evaluating fair lending practices andexamination reform.

The ICBA's list also includes opposing the increase of themember business lending cap and supplemental capital for creditunions if the industry's tax exemption status is kept intact.

“ICBA's policy priorities are set to ensure community banks havethe opportunity to support greater economic growth, job creationand prosperity nationwide,” said Bill Loving, incoming ICBAchairman and president/CEO of the $265 million Pendleton CommunityBank in Franklin, W.Va.

“Our policy agenda is focused on minimizing the negative impactof excessive regulations, addressing the overly aggressiveexamination environment, minimizing risks to our financial systemand creating greater economic activity and growth in localcommunities,” Loving said.