Number: RL31783
Title: Bankruptcy Reform in the 108th Congress
Authors: Angie A. Welborn, American Law Division 
Abstract: On March 19, 2003, the House passed H.R. 975, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2003. H.R. 975, as introduced, was substantially similar to the legislation (H.R. 333) approved by both the House and Senate during the 107th Congress, but omitted the Schumer Amendment which would have prevented the discharge of liability for willful violation of protective orders and violent protests against providers of lawful services, including reproductive health services. As passed by the House, H.R. 975 was amended to add sections to, among other things, increase the cap on wage and employee benefit claims. On November 25, 2003, the Senate passed S. 1920, providing for a six-month extension of Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code. The House took up S. 1920 on January 28, 2004, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 975 as passed by the House on March 19, 2003. S. 1920, as amended, was passed by the House and conferees appointed to resolve differences with the Senate. S. 1920, as passed by the House, addresses many areas of bankruptcy practice, including consumer filings, small business bankruptcy, tax bankruptcy, ancillary and cross-border cases, financial contract provisions, amendments to chapter 12 governing family farmer reorganization, and health care and employee benefits. This report provides an overview of selected major provision of the legislation.
Pages: 11
Date: Updated March 24, 2003