ATLANTA – State Representative Josh Bonner (R–Fayetteville), chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs, recently received Georgia Watch’s 2023 Consumer Champion for Fair Lending Award, recognizing him for his work to protect Georgians from predatory car title lending.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected as a recipient of the 2023 Consumer Champion for Fair Lending Award, and I am grateful to Executive Director Liz Coyle and the members of Georgia Watch for recognizing me with this distinguished award,” said Chairman Bonner. “Protecting Georgians from falling into a cycle of debt has been a long-standing priority of mine. I am proud of the work organizations like Georgia Watch are doing to help bring awareness to this issue. I look forward to the passage of House Bill 342 during the upcoming 2024 legislative session.”
During the 2023 legislative session, Chairman Bonner introduced House Bill 342, also known as the Motor Vehicle Title Loan Act, which would establish state-level regulation to the title pawn industry. The bill would place the title pawn industry under the purview of the Department of Banking and Finance for oversight. In addition to increased regulation, the legislation would prohibit individuals from engaging in the business of making title loans in Georgia unless that person is licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). Under this legislation, any title loan made by a person without a license would be void, and any right to collect any money in connection with such loan would be forfeited. HB 342 will be eligible for consideration during the 2024 legislative session.
Founded in 2002, Georgia Watch is a statewide, non-profit consumer advocacy organization working to inform and protect Georgia consumers on matters that significantly affect their quality of life, including the effects of predatory business practices, the cost of utilities and healthcare and access to the civil justice system.
*Editor’s note: A photo of Chairman Bonner receiving the award is attached.
Representative Josh Bonner represents the citizens of District 73, which includes portions of Coweta and Fayette counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee.
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