THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

Spartanburg lawmakers on opposite sides of banning industry

John Hawkins and Jim Ritchie sit next to each other in the Senate chamber.

But the two Spartanburg Republicans couldn’t be farther apart when it comes to payday lenders.

Hawkins, one of 13 lawyer-legislators involved in a class-action lawsuit against the industry, wanted an outright ban. Ritchie helped author compromise legislation that regulates payday lenders but allows them to stay in business. (more…)

The Senate has agreed to tougher restrictions on payday loans.

The bill requires lenders to check a borrower database and places a $500 limit on loans. It also bans multiple loans in a seven-day period.

Spartanburg Senator John Hawkins spent more than an hour Tuesday calling for a ban, saying the state can never contain the industry. (more…)

Spartanburg lawmakers on opposite sides of banning industry

John Hawkins and Jim Ritchie sit next to each other in the Senate chamber.

But the two Spartanburg Republicans couldn’t be farther apart when it comes to payday lenders.

Hawkins, one of 13 lawyer-legislators involved in a class-action lawsuit against the industry, wanted an outright ban. Ritchie helped author compromise legislation that regulates payday lenders but allows them to stay in business. (more…)

Check out this quick video from the Spartanburg Herald Journal of Senators Jim Ritchie and John Hawkins discussing their view of recently passed payday lending legislation.