OGDEN — Legislation aimed at giving municipalities more authority to restrict payday lenders isn’t gaining much traction with state lawmakers, says Craig Peterson, the city council’s lobbyist.
Peterson provided the city council with an update Tuesday night on the 2010 legislative session currently under way.
City Council Chairwoman Caitlin K. Gochnour questioned Peterson on the progress of legislation aimed at payday lenders.
The council is scheduled to consider in the next few weeks a draft ordinance recommended by the Ogden Planning Commission that limits to eight the number of local payday loan establishments that can operate in the city.
Peterson told the Standard-Examiner at least one payday lending bill isn’t making much progress toward a vote. “It’s late in the session,” he said, explaining why the bill may fail.
Peterson also said lawmakers are spending most of their time tackling states’ rights message bills.
About 800 bills on various topics have been introduced during the 2010 session, of which about 600 will likely be discussed or debated, he said.
Addressing another issue, Peterson told the council he has established a cordial relationship with lobbyist Rob Jolley, who has been hired by the city’s administration.
“We are not at each other’s throats,” Peterson said, adding he and Jolley nevertheless keep an eye on each other.
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