The statements made by Representative Jodie Laubenberg on the House floor during the debate on HB 2594 do not reflect the current position of the Texas Catholic Conference or the Texas Catholic Charities organizations.

On April 19, 2011, the Conference released a position statement removing our opposition to this bill explaining that while the Bishops cannot offer their support of HB 2592, HB 2593, and HB 2594 due to the lack of a cap on interest rates and fees, we appreciated that the bills offer new protections for consumers from the endless cycle of debt caused by these loans, create a licensing process similar to chapter 342, include oversight from the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, and include data collection.  Based on these protections, we are withdrew our opposition of HB 2592, HB 2593, and HB 2594. Click here to read the full statement.