(AP) — Exempting financial institutions from a Missouri law governing advertising, merchandising and related lawsuits would leave individuals little recourse if they are mistreated, a state consumer protection official told lawmakers Monday. The bill would exempt banks, credit unions and other lenders from civil lawsuits or action by the attorney general under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. [...] Joe Bindbeutel, director of the attorney general's consumer protection division, told a House committee that the change would mean banks would have little reason to work with his office to resolve consumer complaints. The bill, sponsored by Rep.