Some lenders leaving Georgia because of predatory lending law

ATLANTA - A state law designed to protect homeowners from predatory lending may make it more difficult for Georgians to get mortgage loans. <br> <br> That&#39;s because of a decision by Standard and Poor&#39;s -- a major bond rating agency -- to stop rating investments starting February First that are covered under the Georgia Fair Lending Act. <br> <br> The law -- approved last April -- protects borrowers from high one-time payments, prepayment penalties and other fees on high-interest loans. <br> <br> Other states have predatory lending laws. But Georgia is unique because it allows borrowers to sue their lenders and other companies that buy the loan or people that buy investments that include the loan. <br> <br> Twenty-six lenders have already pulled out of Georgia and many other banks may follow suit because of Standard and Poors&#39; decision. <br> <br> The agency is worried that the Georgia law could affect the investment potential of loans.