Nebraska voters approve initiative capping payday loan APRs at 36 percent
On November 3, according to reports, voters passed Nebraska Initiative 428, which proposed an amendment to Nebraska statutes to prohibit delayed deposit services licensees (otherwise known as payday lenders) from offering loans with annual percent rates (APRs) above 36 percent. Under the amendment, loans with APRs that exceed this cap will be deemed void, and lenders who make such loans will not be authorized to collect or retain fees, interest, principal, or any other associated charges. Specifically, Initiative 428 proposed removal of the existing limit that prohibited lenders from charging fees in excess of $15 per $100 loaned and replaced it with the 36 percent APR cap. It would additionally prohibit lenders from offering, arranging, or guaranteeing payday loans with interest rates exceeding 36 percent in Nebraska regardless of whether the lender has a physical location in the state.