The fight for stricter payday lending rules continues. The measure would limit borrowing and it would set up a database that lenders would have to check before issuing loans.
A three-year long debate made little lead way Wednesday because lawmakers were divided on the issue. The bill would regulate the state's $150-million payday lending industry. A measure lawmakers have tried to pass for years but the senate can never agree on. House members passed a version earlier this year that allows people to take out 10 loans of up to $600 each before taking a break.
Senator Robert Ford says North Carolina and Georgia have banned payday lending all together. He says if South Carolina keeps these one stop loan shops then tighter regulation is a must. Senator Kevin Bryant disagrees saying,"I believe in a free market. Competition works better than regulated markets. Plus, there is a need for short term loans in emergency situations."
Ford and other senators want regulations like a two-day break between loans limited to $500. The measure would require a seven- day "cooling off" period for consumers between loans.