Officials of the payday loan industry's Utah Consumer Lenders Association could not be reached for comment Thursday.

But they have said previously that most borrowers are happy with their loans. They also say while annual rates appear high, fees charged are reasonable to cover processing costs. They say the loans are also cheaper than restoring cut-off utilities for lack or payment, or other similar costs.

State Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, said Thursday he is sponsoring a bill, already approved by an interim committee, to allow state regulators to fine payday lenders up to $1,000 a day for violations of law. He said several legislators have also discussed pushing a cap on interest, and he expects such a bill to be filed.

Of note, a Morning News series last year found that Utah has more payday loan stores than 7-Elevens, McDonald's, Burger Kings and Subway stores — combined. Utah has some of the friendliest laws of any state for the payday loan industry, which has attracted some national online payday lenders here.

While Utah's payday lenders face relatively few regulations, Morning News visits to 67 stores last year showed that about a quarter of them broke at least one of those rules.

The series also found that payday loan stores are concentrated in areas that are poorer, heavily Hispanic or are near the large Hill Air Force Base (where members of the military tend to have low salaries).

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com