Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Bill to bar new payday lenders fails in committee


A proposal that would keep Louisiana from licensing new payday lenders has failed to win support from a House committee that has been sympathetic to the industry.


The House Commerce Committee voted 10-6 Tuesday against the proposal by Baton Rouge Rep. Regina Barrow.


Barrow said the bill would address the oversaturation of payday lenders in working-class communities. She said her district has about 10 payday lenders, which offer short-term loans at high interest rates, in a one-mile area.


Lawmakers who opposed the measure said they didn't want to limit the free market for business.


The House planned a Tuesday debate on separate legislation by Baton Rouge Rep. Erich Ponti that would place other modest restrictions on the payday lending industry.



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