[20010112]RS20706_H、 R.2415 第106届国会闭幕日的破产改革.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20706Updated January 12, 2001H.R. 2415: Bankruptcy Reform in the ClosingDays of the 106th CongressRobin JewelerLegislative AttorneyAmerican Law DivisionSummaryA final effort to enact bankruptcy reform legislation took place as the 106thCongress came to a close. On Oct. 12, 2000, the House passed a conference reportwhich embodied the legislation negotiated between House and Senate Republicanleadership. It was passed by the Senate as well on December 7, 2000 by a vote of 70to 28.The legislation retained the essential elements of consumer reform that previouslypassed both chambers, i.e., a complicated means test to exclude some debtors fromchapter 7 and stricter performance requirements for chapter 13 debtors. Among themore controversial provisions, the Senate-passed provision making liability for violenceagainst abortion facilities nondischargeable was omitted. With respect to the homesteadprovision, a modified version of the House approach was adopted. This means thathomestead exemptions would continue to vary from state to state, but debtors would bediscouraged fr