The NCUA is standing firm in its position that it doesn't wantto get involved in a lawsuit brought by a member against an Oregoncredit union, but according to a prominent industry attorney, lastweek's ruling could have repercussions for the federalregulator.

U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez in Portland, Ore.,dismissedplaintiff Steven Knebel's claims against the $170 million St.Helens Community FCU of St. Helens, Ore., on May 20. Knebelsued the credit union after it allegedly violated bylaws bycounting mailed ballots during a special meeting to recalldirectors. According to federal credit union bylaws, only votesplaced in person at the meeting may be counted.

In his opinion, Hernandez wrote that the Federal Credit UnionAct doesn't provide Knebel with a private right of action infederal court. Furthermore, the judge questioned whether the FCUA,including the bylaws, has “the status of federal law.”