Payday loans: Idaho bill gives borrowers more options
Payday loans legislation passes state Senate and heads to House. If borrowers get behind on payday loans, bill lets them set up payment plan to return money.
Kate Shuster of Montgomery makes her way to a rally condemning predatory in Montgomery, Ala., last month. In Idaho, a bill giving borrowers more flexibility in paying back payday loans has passed the state Senate.
Julie Bennett/AL.com/AP/File
BOISE, Idaho
A plan to give people who use payday loans more leeway in settling their debt passed the Idaho Senate.
The bill, which passed 21-13 Monday, would let borrowers set up a payment plan to return the money if they get behind.
It also blocks lenders from piling fees and interest onto the remaining balance if borrowers opt for the payment plan.
The bill's sponsor, Twin Falls Republican Sen. Lee Heider, says it can provide an out for someone "caught in a lending cycle."
But Nampa Republican Sen. Todd Lakey said he didn't think the government should be tasked with protecting people from their own decisions.
Other opponents argued it could unfairly target small lenders with less ability to stretch their loans.
The bill now heads to the House.