Lower the interest rates on medical debt and increase borrower protections from debt collectors

Consumer advocates got a win Tuesday in Arizona, with voters approving a measure that will lower the interest rates on medical debt and increase borrower protections from debt collectors.

The measure, Proposition 209, passed by an overwhelming margin. It had support from 72% of voters with more than two-thirds of ballots counted, according to unofficial results.

Industry groups have opposed the measure, saying the debt collection provisions will restrict access to credit by making it more expensive for banks and other lenders to make loans.