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TITLE III--DISCOURAGING BANKRUPTCY ABUSE
SEC. 301. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
Section 523(a)(17) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking `by a court' and inserting `on a prisoner by any court';
(2) by striking `section 1915(b) or (f)' and inserting `subsection (b) or
(f)(2) of section 1915'; and
(3) by inserting `(or a similar non-Federal law)' after `title 28' each place
it appears.
SEC. 302. DISCOURAGING BAD FAITH REPEAT FILINGS.
Section 362(c) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `and' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
`(3) if a single or joint case is filed by or against debtor who is an individual
in a case under chapter 7, 11, or 13, and if a single or joint case of the
debtor was pending within the preceding 1-year period but was dismissed, other
than a case refiled under a chapter other than chapter 7 after dismissal under
section 707(b)--
`(A) the stay under subsection (a) with respect to any action taken with respect
to a debt or property securing such debt or with respect to any lease shall
terminate with respect to the debtor on the 30th day after the filing of the
later case;
`(B) on the motion of a party in interest for continuation of the automatic
stay and upon notice and a hearing, the court may extend the stay in particular
cases as to any or all creditors (subject to such conditions or limitations
as the court may then impose) after notice and a hearing completed before the
expiration of the 30-day period only if the party in interest demonstrates
that the filing of the later case is in good faith as to the creditors to be
stayed; and
`(C) for purposes of subparagraph (B), a case is presumptively filed not in
good faith (but such presumption may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence
to the contrary)--
`(i) as to all creditors, if--
`(I) more than 1 previous case under any of chapters 7, 11, and 13 in which
the individual was a debtor was pending within the preceding 1-year period;
`(II) a previous case under any of chapters 7, 11, and 13 in which the individual
was a debtor was dismissed within such 1-year period, after the debtor failed
to--
`(aa) file or amend the petition or other documents as required by this title
or the court without substantial excuse (but mere inadvertence or negligence
shall not be a substantial excuse unless the dismissal was caused by the negligence
of the debtor's attorney);
`(bb) provide adequate protection as ordered by the court; or
`(cc) perform the terms of a plan confirmed by the court; or
`(III) there has not been a substantial change in the financial or personal
affairs of the debtor since the dismissal of the next most previous case under
chapter 7, 11, or 13 or any other reason to conclude that the later case will
be concluded--
`(aa) if a case under chapter 7, with a discharge; or
`(bb) if a case under chapter 11 or 13, with a confirmed plan that will be
fully performed; and
`(ii) as to any creditor that commenced an action under subsection (d) in
a previous case in which the individual was a debtor if, as of the date of
dismissal of such case, that action was still pending or had been resolved
by terminating, conditioning, or limiting the stay as to actions of such creditor;
and
`(4)(A)(i) if a single or joint case is filed by or against a debtor who is
an individual under this title, and if 2 or more single or joint cases of the
debtor were pending within the previous year but were dismissed, other than
a case refiled under section 707(b), the stay under subsection (a) shall not
go into effect upon the filing of the later case; and
`(ii) on request of a party in interest, the court shall promptly enter an
order confirming that no stay is in effect;
`(B) if, within 30 days after the filing of the later case, a party in interest
requests the court may order the stay to take effect in the case as to any
or all creditors (subject to such conditions or limitations as the court may
impose), after notice and a hearing, only if the party in interest demonstrates
that the filing of the later case is in good faith as to the creditors to be
stayed;
`(C) a stay imposed under subparagraph (B) shall be effective on the date
of the entry of the order allowing the stay to go into effect; and
`(D) for purposes of subparagraph (B), a case is presumptively filed not in
good faith (but such presumption may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence
to the contrary)--
`(i) as to all creditors if--
`(I) 2 or more previous cases under this title in which the individual was
a debtor were pending within the 1-year period;
`(II) a previous case under this title in which the individual was a debtor
was dismissed within the time period stated in this paragraph after the debtor
failed to file or amend the petition or other documents as required by this
title or the court without substantial excuse (but mere inadvertence or negligence
shall not be substantial excuse unless the dismissal was caused by the negligence
of the debtor's attorney), failed to provide adequate protection as ordered
by the court, or failed to perform the terms of a plan confirmed by the court;
or
`(III) there has not been a substantial change in the financial or personal
affairs of the debtor since the dismissal of the next most previous case under
this title, or any other reason to conclude that the later case will not be
concluded, if a case under chapter 7, with a discharge, and if a case under
chapter 11 or 13, with a confirmed plan that will be fully performed; or
`(ii) as to any creditor that commenced an action under subsection (d) in
a previous case in which the individual was a debtor if, as of the date of
dismissal of such case, such action was still pending or had been resolved
by terminating, conditioning, or limiting the stay as to such action of such
creditor.'.
SEC. 303. CURBING ABUSIVE FILINGS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 362(d) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking `or' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; or';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
`(4) with respect to a stay of an act against real property under subsection
(a), by a creditor whose claim is secured by an interest in such real property,
if the court finds that the filing of the petition was part of a scheme to
delay, hinder, and defraud creditors that involved either--
`(A) transfer of all or part ownership of, or other interest in, such real
property without the consent of the secured creditor or court approval; or
`(B) multiple bankruptcy filings affecting such real property.
If recorded in compliance with applicable State laws governing notices of
interests or liens in real property, an order entered under paragraph (4) shall
be binding in any other case under this title purporting to affect such real
property filed not later than 2 years after the date of the entry of such order
by the court, except that a debtor in a subsequent case under this title may
move for relief from such order based upon changed circumstances or for good
cause shown, after notice and a hearing. Any Federal, State, or local governmental
unit that accepts notices of interests or liens in real property shall accept
any certified copy of an order described in this subsection for indexing and
recording.'.
(b) AUTOMATIC STAY- Section 362(b) of title 11, United States Code, as amended
by section 224, is amended by inserting after paragraph (19), the following:
`(20) under subsection (a), of any act to enforce any lien against or security
interest in real property following entry of the order under subsection (d)(4)
as to such real property in any prior case under this title, for a period of
2 years after the date of the entry of such an order, except that the debtor,
in a subsequent case under this title, may move for relief from such order
based upon changed circumstances or for other good cause shown, after notice
and a hearing;
`(21) under subsection (a), of any act to enforce any lien against or security
interest in real property--
`(A) if the debtor is ineligible under section 109(g) to be a debtor in a
case under this title; or
`(B) if the case under this title was filed in violation of a bankruptcy court
order in a prior case under this title prohibiting the debtor from being a
debtor in another case under this title;'.
SEC. 304. DEBTOR RETENTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITY.
Title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 521(a), as so designated by section 106--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking `, and' at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
`(6) in a case under chapter 7 of this title in which the debtor is an individual,
not retain possession of personal property as to which a creditor has an allowed
claim for the purchase price secured in whole or in part by an interest in
such personal property unless the debtor, not later than 45 days after the
first meeting of creditors under section 341(a), either--
`(A) enters into an agreement with the creditor pursuant to section 524(c)
with respect to the claim secured by such property; or
`(B) redeems such property from the security interest pursuant to section
722.
If the debtor fails to so act within the 45-day period referred to in paragraph
(6), the stay under section 362(a) is terminated with respect to the personal
property of the estate or of the debtor which is affected, such property shall
no longer be property of the estate, and the creditor may take whatever action
as to such property as is permitted by applicable nonbankruptcy law, unless
the court determines on the motion of the trustee filed before the expiration
of such 45-day period, and after notice and a hearing, that such property is
of consequential value or benefit to the estate, orders appropriate adequate
protection of the creditor's interest, and orders the debtor to deliver any
collateral in the debtor's possession to the trustee.'; and
(2) in section 722, by inserting `in full at the time of redemption' before
the period at the end.
SEC. 305. RELIEF FROM THE AUTOMATIC STAY WHEN THE DEBTOR
DOES NOT COMPLETE INTENDED SURRENDER OF CONSUMER DEBT COLLATERAL.
Title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 362, as amended by section 106--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking `(e), and (f)' and inserting `(e), (f),
and (h)';
(B) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (k) and transferring such
subsection so as to insert it after subsection (j) as added by section 106;
and
(C) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
`(h)(1) In a case in which the debtor is an individual, the stay provided
by subsection (a) is terminated with respect to personal property of the estate
or of the debtor securing in whole or in part a claim, or subject to an unexpired
lease, and such personal property shall no longer be property of the estate
if the debtor fails within the applicable time set by section 521(a)(2)--
`(A) to file timely any statement of intention required under section 521(a)(2)
with respect to such personal property or to indicate in such statement that
the debtor will either surrender such personal property or retain it and, if
retaining such personal property, either redeem such personal property pursuant
to section 722, enter into an agreement of the kind specified in section 524(c)
applicable to the debt secured by such personal property, or assume such unexpired
lease pursuant to section 365(p) if the trustee does not do so, as applicable;
and
`(B) to take timely the action specified in such statement, as it may be amended
before expiration of the period for taking action, unless such statement specifies
the debtor's intention to reaffirm such debt on the original contract terms
and the creditor refuses to agree to the reaffirmation on such terms.
`(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if the court determines, on the motion of
the trustee filed before the expiration of the applicable time set by section
521(a)(2), after notice and a hearing, that such personal property is of consequential
value or benefit to the estate, and orders appropriate adequate protection
of the creditor's interest, and orders the debtor to deliver any collateral
in the debtor's possession to the trustee. If the court does not so determine,
the stay provided by subsection (a) shall terminate upon the conclusion of
the hearing on the motion.'; and
(2) in section 521, as amended by sections 106 and 225--
(A) in subsection (a)(2) by striking `consumer';
(B) in subsection (a)(2)(B)--
(i) by striking `forty-five days after the filing of a notice of intent under
this section' and inserting `30 days after the first date set for the meeting
of creditors under section 341(a)'; and
(ii) by striking `forty-five day' and inserting `30-day';
(C) in subsection (a)(2)(C) by inserting `, except as provided in section
362(h)' before the semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
`(d) If the debtor fails timely to take the action specified in subsection
(a)(6) of this section, or in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 362(h), with
respect to property which a lessor or bailor owns and has leased, rented, or
bailed to the debtor or as to which a creditor holds a security interest not
otherwise voidable under section 522(f), 544, 545, 547, 548, or 549, nothing
in this title shall prevent or limit the operation of a provision in the underlying
lease or agreement that has the effect of placing the debtor in default under
such lease or agreement by reason of the occurrence, pendency, or existence
of a proceeding under this title or the insolvency of the debtor. Nothing in
this subsection shall be deemed to justify limiting such a provision in any
other circumstance.'.
SEC. 306. GIVING SECURED CREDITORS FAIR TREATMENT IN CHAPTER
13.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 1325(a)(5)(B)(i) of title 11, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
`(i) the plan provides that--
`(I) the holder of such claim retain the lien securing such claim until the
earlier of--
`(aa) the payment of the underlying debt determined under nonbankruptcy law;
or
`(bb) discharge under section 1328; and
`(II) if the case under this chapter is dismissed or converted without completion
of the plan, such lien shall also be retained by such holder to the extent
recognized by applicable nonbankruptcy law; and'.
(b) RESTORING THE FOUNDATION FOR SECURED CREDIT- Section 1325(a) of title
11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`For purposes of paragraph (5), section 506 shall not apply to a claim described
in that paragraph if the creditor has a purchase money security interest securing
the debt that is the subject of the claim, the debt was incurred within the
910-day preceding the date of the filing of the petition, and the collateral
for that debt consists of a motor vehicle (as defined in section 30102 of title
49) acquired for the personal use of the debtor, or if collateral for that
debt consists of any other thing of value, if the debt was incurred during
the 1-year period preceding that filing.'.
(c) DEFINITIONS- Section 101 of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:
`(13A) `debtor's principal residence'--
`(A) means a residential structure, including incidental property, without
regard to whether that structure is attached to real property; and
`(B) includes an individual condominium or cooperative unit, a mobile or manufactured
home, or trailer;'; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (27), the following:
`(27A) `incidental property' means, with respect to a debtor's principal residence--
`(A) property commonly conveyed with a principal residence in the area where
the real property is located;
`(B) all easements, rights, appurtenances, fixtures, rents, royalties, mineral
rights, oil or gas rights or profits, water rights, escrow funds, or insurance
proceeds; and
`(C) all replacements or additions;'.
SEC. 307. DOMICILIARY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXEMPTIONS.
Section 522(b)(3) of title 11, United States Code, as so designated by section
106, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking `180 days' and inserting `730 days'; and
(B) by striking `, or for a longer portion of such 180-day period than in
any other place' and inserting `or if the debtor's domicile has not been located
at a single State for such 730-day period, the place in which the debtor's
domicile was located for 180 days immediately preceding the 730-day period
or for a longer portion of such 180-day period than in any other place'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`If the effect of the domiciliary requirement under subparagraph (A) is to
render the debtor ineligible for any exemption, the debtor may elect to exempt
property that is specified under subsection (d).'.
SEC. 308. REDUCTION OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR FRAUD.
Section 522 of title 11, United States Code, as amended by section 224, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)(A), as so designated by this Act, by inserting `subject
to subsections (o) and (p),' before `any property'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(o) For purposes of subsection (b)(3)(A), and notwithstanding subsection
(a), the value of an interest in--
`(1) real or personal property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor
uses as a residence;
`(2) a cooperative that owns property that the debtor or a dependent of the
debtor uses as a residence;
`(3) a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor; or
`(4) real or personal property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor
claims as a homestead;
shall be reduced to the extent that such value is attributable to any portion
of any property that the debtor disposed of in the 10-year period ending on
the date of the filing of the petition with the intent to hinder, delay, or
defraud a creditor and that the debtor could not exempt, or that portion that
the debtor could not exempt, under subsection (b), if on such date the debtor
had held the property so disposed of.'.
SEC. 309. PROTECTING SECURED CREDITORS IN CHAPTER 13 CASES.
(a) STOPPING ABUSIVE CONVERSIONS FROM CHAPTER 13- Section 348(f)(1) of title
11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking `and' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking `in the converted case, with allowed secured claims' and inserting
`only in a case converted to a case under chapter 11 or 12, but not in a case
converted to a case under chapter 7, with allowed secured claims in cases under
chapters 11 and 12'; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
`(C) with respect to cases converted from chapter 13--
`(i) the claim of any creditor holding security as of the date of the petition
shall continue to be secured by that security unless the full amount of such
claim determined under applicable nonbankruptcy law has been paid in full as
of the date of conversion, notwithstanding any valuation or determination of
the amount of an allowed secured claim made for the purposes of the case under
chapter 13; and
`(ii) unless a prebankruptcy default has been fully cured under the plan at
the time of conversion, in any proceeding under this title or otherwise, the
default shall have the effect given under applicable nonbankruptcy law.'.
(b) GIVING DEBTORS THE ABILITY TO KEEP LEASED PERSONAL PROPERTY BY ASSUMPTION-
Section 365 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
`(p)(1) If a lease of personal property is rejected or not timely assumed
by the trustee under subsection (d), the leased property is no longer property
of the estate and the stay under section 362(a) is automatically terminated.
`(2)(A) If the debtor in a case under chapter 7 is an individual, the debtor
may notify the creditor in writing that the debtor desires to assume the lease.
Upon being so notified, the creditor may, at its option, notify the debtor
that it is willing to have the lease assumed by the debtor and may condition
such assumption on cure of any outstanding default on terms set by the contract.
`(B) If, not later than 30 days after notice is provided under subparagraph
(A), the debtor notifies the lessor in writing that the lease is assumed, the
liability under the lease will be assumed by the debtor and not by the estate.
`(C) The stay under section 362 and the injunction under section 524(a)(2)
shall not be violated by notification of the debtor and negotiation of cure
under this subsection.
`(3) In a case under chapter 11 in which the debtor is an individual and in
a case under chapter 13, if the debtor is the lessee with respect to personal
property and the lease is not assumed in the plan confirmed by the court, the
lease is deemed rejected as of the conclusion of the hearing on confirmation.
If the lease is rejected, the stay under section 362 and any stay under section
1301 is automatically terminated with respect to the property subject to the
lease.'.
(c) ADEQUATE PROTECTION OF LESSORS AND PURCHASE MONEY SECURED CREDITORS-
(1) CONFIRMATION OF PLAN- Section 1325(a)(5)(B) of title 11, United States
Code, as amended by section 306, is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `and' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii), by striking `or' at the end and inserting `and'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
`(iii) if--
`(I) property to be distributed pursuant to this subsection is in the form
of periodic payments, such payments shall be in equal monthly amounts; and
`(II) the holder of the claim is secured by personal property, the amount
of such payments shall not be less than an amount sufficient to provide to
the holder of such claim adequate protection during the period of the plan;
or'.
(2) PAYMENTS- Section 1326(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
`(a)(1) Unless the court orders otherwise, the debtor shall commence making
payments not later than 30 days after the date of the filing of the plan or
the order for relief, whichever is earlier, in the amount--
`(A) proposed by the plan to the trustee;
`(B) scheduled in a lease of personal property directly to the lessor for
that portion of the obligation that becomes due after the order for relief,
reducing the payments under subparagraph (A) by the amount so paid and providing
the trustee with evidence of such payment, including the amount and date of
payment; and
`(C) that provides adequate protection directly to a creditor holding an allowed
claim secured by personal property to the extent the claim is attributable
to the purchase of such property by the debtor for that portion of the obligation
that becomes due after the order for relief, reducing the payments under subparagraph
(A) by the amount so paid and providing the trustee with evidence of such payment,
including the amount and date of payment.
`(2) A payment made under paragraph (1)(A) shall be retained by the trustee
until confirmation or denial of confirmation. If a plan is confirmed, the trustee
shall distribute any such payment in accordance with the plan as soon as is
practicable. If a plan is not confirmed, the trustee shall return any such
payments not previously paid and not yet due and owing to creditors pursuant
to paragraph (3) to the debtor, after deducting any unpaid claim allowed under
section 503(b).
`(3) Subject to section 363, the court may, upon notice and a hearing, modify,
increase, or reduce the payments required under this subsection pending confirmation
of a plan.
`(4) Not later than 60 days after the date of filing of a case under this
chapter, a debtor retaining possession of personal property subject to a lease
or securing a claim attributable in whole or in part to the purchase price
of such property shall provide the lessor or secured creditor reasonable evidence
of the maintenance of any required insurance coverage with respect to the use
or ownership of such property and continue to do so for so long as the debtor
retains possession of such property.'.
SEC. 310. LIMITATION ON LUXURY GOODS.
Section 523(a)(2)(C) of title 11, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
`(C)(i) for purposes of subparagraph (A)--
`(I) consumer debts owed to a single creditor and aggregating more than $500
for luxury goods or services incurred by an individual debtor on or within
90 days before the order for relief under this title are presumed to be nondischargeable;
and
`(II) cash advances aggregating more than $750 that are extensions of consumer
credit under an open end credit plan obtained by an individual debtor on or
within 70 days before the order for relief under this title, are presumed to
be nondischargeable; and
`(ii) for purposes of this subparagraph--
`(I) the terms `consumer', `credit', and `open end credit plan' have the same
meanings as in section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act; and
`(II) the term `luxury goods or services' does not include goods or services
reasonably necessary for the support or maintenance of the debtor or a dependent
of the debtor.'.
SEC. 311. AUTOMATIC STAY.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 362(b) of title 11, United States Code, as amended
by sections 224 and 303, is amended by inserting after paragraph (21), the
following:
`(22) subject to subsection (l), under subsection (a)(3), of the continuation
of any eviction, unlawful detainer action, or similar proceeding by a lessor
against a debtor involving residential property in which the debtor resides
as a tenant under a lease or rental agreement and with respect to which the
lessor has obtained before the date of the filing of the bankruptcy petition,
a judgment for possession of such property against the debtor;
`(23) subject to subsection (m), under subsection (a)(3), of an eviction action
that seeks possession of the residential property in which the debtor resides
as a tenant under a lease or rental agreement based on endangerment of such
property or the illegal use of controlled substances on such property, but
only if the lessor files with the court, and serves upon the debtor, a certification
under penalty of perjury that such an eviction action has been filed, or that
the debtor, during the 30-day period preceding the date of the filing of the
certification, has endangered property or illegally used or allowed to be used
a controlled substance on the property;
`(24) under subsection (a), of any transfer that is not avoidable under section
544 and that is not avoidable under section 549;'.
(b) LIMITATIONS- Section 362 of title 11, United States Code, as amended by
sections 106 and 305, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(l)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, subsection (b)(22)
shall apply on the date that is 30 days after the date on which the bankruptcy
petition is filed, if the debtor files with the petition and serves upon the
lessor a certification under penalty of perjury that--
`(A) under nonbankruptcy law applicable in the jurisdiction, there are circumstances
under which the debtor would be permitted to cure the entire monetary default
that gave rise to the judgment for possession, after that judgment for possession
was entered; and
`(B) the debtor (or an adult dependent of the debtor) has deposited with the
clerk of the court, any rent that would become due during the 30-day period
after the filing of the bankruptcy petition.
`(2) If, within the 30-day period after the filing of the bankruptcy petition,
the debtor (or an adult dependent of the debtor) complies with paragraph (1)
and files with the court and serves upon the lessor a further certification
under penalty of perjury that the debtor (or an adult dependent of the debtor)
has cured, under nonbankrupcty law applicable in the jurisdiction, the entire
monetary default that gave rise to the judgment under which possession is sought
by the lessor, subsection (b)(22) shall not apply, unless ordered to apply
by the court under paragraph (3).
`(3)(A) If the lessor files an objection to any certification filed by the
debtor under paragraph (1) or (2), and serves such objection upon the debtor,
the court shall hold a hearing within 10 days after the filing and service
of such objection to determine if the certification filed by the debtor under
paragraph (1) or (2) is true.
`(B) If the court upholds the objection of the lessor filed under subparagraph
(A)--
`(i) subsection (b)(22) shall apply immediately and relief from the stay provided
under subsection (a)(3) shall not be required to enable the lessor to complete
the process to recover full possession of the property; and
`(ii) the clerk of the court shall immediately serve upon the lessor and the
debtor a certified copy of the court's order upholding the lessor's objection.
`(4) If a debtor, in accordance with paragraph (5), indicates on the petition
that there was a judgment for possession of the residential rental property
in which the debtor resides and does not file a certification under paragraph
(1) or (2)--
`(A) subsection (b)(22) shall apply immediately upon failure to file such
certification, and relief from the stay provided under subsection (a)(3) shall
not be required to enable the lessor to complete the process to recover full
possession of the property; and
`(B) the clerk of the court shall immediately serve upon the lessor and the
debtor a certified copy of the docket indicating the absence of a filed certification
and the applicability of the exception to the stay under subsection (b)(22).
`(5)(A) Where a judgment for possession of residential property in which the
debtor resides as a tenant under a lease or rental agreement has been obtained
by the lessor, the debtor shall so indicate on the bankruptcy petition and
shall provide the name and address of the lessor that obtained that pre-petition
judgment on the petition and on any certification filed under this subsection.
`(B) The form of certification filed with the petition, as specified in this
subsection, shall provide for the debtor to certify, and the debtor shall certify--
`(i) whether a judgment for possession of residential rental housing in which
the debtor resides has been obtained against the debtor before the date of
the filing of the petition; and
`(ii) whether the debtor is claiming under paragraph (1) that under nonbankruptcy
law applicable in the jurisdiction, there are circumstances under which the
debtor would be permitted to cure the entire monetary default that gave rise
to the judgment for possession, after that judgment of possession was entered,
and has made the appropriate deposit with the court.
`(C) The standard forms (electronic and otherwise) used in a bankruptcy proceeding
shall be amended to reflect the requirements of this subsection.
`(D) The clerk of the court shall arrange for the prompt transmittal of the
rent deposited in accordance with paragraph (1)(B) to the lessor.
`(m)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, subsection (b)(23)
shall apply on the date that is 15 days after the date on which the lessor
files and serves a certification described in subsection (b)(23).
`(2)(A) If the debtor files with the court an objection to the truth or legal
sufficiency of the certification described in subsection (b)(23) and serves
such objection upon the lessor, subsection (b)(23) shall not apply, unless
ordered to apply by the court under this subsection.
`(B) If the debtor files and serves the objection under subparagraph (A),
the court shall hold a hearing within 10 days after the filing and service
of such objection to determine if the situation giving rise to the lessor's
certification under paragraph (1) existed or has been remedied.
`(C) If the debtor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the court that the
situation giving rise to the lessor's certification under paragraph (1) did
not exist or has been remedied, the stay provided under subsection (a)(3) shall
remain in effect until the termination of the stay under this section.
`(D) If the debtor cannot demonstrate to the satisfaction of the court that
the situation giving rise to the lessor's certification under paragraph (1)
did not exist or has been remedied--
`(i) relief from the stay provided under subsection (a)(3) shall not be required
to enable the lessor to proceed with the eviction; and
`(ii) the clerk of the court shall immediately serve upon the lessor and the
debtor a certified copy of the court's order upholding the lessor's certification.
`(3) If the debtor fails to file, within 15 days, an objection under paragraph
(2)(A)--
`(A) subsection (b)(23) shall apply immediately upon such failure and relief
from the stay provided under subsection (a)(3) shall not be required to enable
the lessor to complete the process to recover full possession of the property;
and
`(B) the clerk of the court shall immediately serve upon the lessor and the
debtor a certified copy of the docket indicating such failure.'.
SEC. 312. EXTENSION OF PERIOD BETWEEN BANKRUPTCY DISCHARGES.
Title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 727(a)(8), by striking `six' and inserting `8'; and
(2) in section 1328, by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
`(f) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the court shall not grant a
discharge of all debts provided for in the plan or disallowed under section
502, if the debtor has received a discharge--
`(1) in a case filed under chapter 7, 11, or 12 of this title during the 4-year
period preceding the date of the order for relief under this chapter, or
`(2) in a case filed under chapter 13 of this title during the 2-year period
preceding the date of such order.'.
SEC. 313. DEFINITION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND ANTIQUES.
(a) DEFINITION- Section 522(f) of title 11, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following:
`(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), for purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the
term `household goods' means--
`(i) clothing;
`(ii) furniture;
`(iii) appliances;
`(iv) 1 radio;
`(v) 1 television;
`(vi) 1 VCR;
`(vii) linens;
`(viii) china;
`(ix) crockery;
`(x) kitchenware;
`(xi) educational materials and educational equipment primarily for the use
of minor dependent children of the debtor;
(xii) medical equipment and supplies;
`(xiii) furniture exclusively for the use of minor children, or elderly or
disabled dependents of the debtor;
`(xiv) personal effects (including the toys and hobby equipment of minor dependent
children and wedding rings) of the debtor and the dependents of the debtor;
and
`(xv) 1 personal computer and related equipment.
`(B) The term `household goods' does not include--
`(i) works of art (unless by or of the debtor, or any relative of the debtor);
`(ii) electronic entertainment equipment with a fair market value of more
than $500 in the aggregate (except 1 television, 1 radio, and 1 VCR);
`(iii) items acquired as antiques with a fair market value of more than $500
in the aggregate;
`(iv) jewelry with a fair market value of more than $500 in the aggregate
(except wedding rings); and
`(v) a computer (except as otherwise provided for in this section), motor
vehicle (including a tractor or lawn tractor), boat, or a motorized recreational
device, conveyance, vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft.'.
(b) STUDY- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Director of the Executive Office for United States Trustees shall submit
a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee
on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives containing its findings regarding
utilization of the definition of household goods, as defined in section 522(f)(4)
of title 11, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), with respect to
the avoidance of nonpossessory, nonpurchase money security interests in household
goods under section 522(f)(1)(B) of title 11, United States Code, and the impact
such section 522(f)(4) has had on debtors and on the bankruptcy courts. Such
report may include recommendations for amendments to such section 522(f)(4)
consistent with the Director's findings.
SEC. 314. DEBT INCURRED TO PAY NONDISCHARGEABLE DEBTS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 523(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after paragraph (14) the following:
`(14A) incurred to pay a tax to a governmental unit, other than the United
States, that would be nondischargeable under paragraph (1);'.
(b) DISCHARGE UNDER CHAPTER 13- Section 1328(a) of title 11, United States
Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following:
`(1) provided for under section 1322(b)(5);
`(2) of the kind specified in paragraph (2), (3), (4), (5), (8), or (9) of
section 523(a);
`(3) for restitution, or a criminal fine, included in a sentence on the debtor's
conviction of a crime; or
`(4) for restitution, or damages, awarded in a civil action against the debtor
as a result of willful or malicious injury by the debtor that caused personal
injury to an individual or the death of an individual.'.
SEC. 315. GIVING CREDITORS FAIR NOTICE IN CHAPTERS 7 AND
13 CASES.
(a) NOTICE- Section 342 of title 11, United States Code, as amended by section
102, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by inserting `(1)' after `(c)';
(B) by striking `, but the failure of such notice to contain such information
shall not invalidate the legal effect of such notice'; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
`(2)(A) If, within the 90 days before the commencement of a voluntary case,
a creditor supplies the debtor in at least 2 communications sent to the debtor
with the current account number of the debtor and the address at which such
creditor requests to receive correspondence, then any notice required by this
title to be sent by the debtor to such creditor shall be sent to such address
and shall include such account number.
`(B) If a creditor would be in violation of applicable nonbankruptcy law by
sending any such communication within such 90-day period and if such creditor
supplies the debtor in the last 2 communications with the current account number
of the debtor and the address at which such creditor requests to receive correspondence,
then any notice required by this title to be sent by the debtor to such creditor
shall be sent to such address and shall include such account number.'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(e)(1) In a case under chapter 7 or 13 of this title of a debtor who is an
individual, a creditor at any time may both file with the court and serve on
the debtor a notice of address to be used to provide notice in such case to
such creditor.
`(2) Any notice in such case required to be provided to such creditor by the
debtor or the court later than 5 days after the court and the debtor receive
such creditor's notice of address, shall be provided to such address.
`(f)(1) An entity may file with any bankruptcy court a notice of address to
be used by all the bankruptcy courts or by particular bankruptcy courts, as
so specified by such entity at the time such notice is filed, to provide notice
to such entity in all cases under chapters 7 and 13 pending in the courts with
respect to which such notice is filed, in which such entity is a creditor.
`(2) In any case filed under chapter 7 or 13, any notice required to be provided
by a court with respect to which a notice is filed under paragraph (1), to
such entity later than 30 days after the filing of such notice under paragraph
(1) shall be provided to such address unless with respect to a particular case
a different address is specified in a notice filed and served in accordance
with subsection (e).
`(3) A notice filed under paragraph (1) may be withdrawn by such entity.
`(g)(1) Notice provided to a creditor by the debtor or the court other than
in accordance with this section (excluding this subsection) shall not be effective
notice until such notice is brought to the attention of such creditor. If such
creditor designates a person or an organizational subdivision of such creditor
to be responsible for receiving notices under this title and establishes reasonable
procedures so that such notices receivable by such creditor are to be delivered
to such person or such subdivision, then a notice provided to such creditor
other than in accordance with this section (excluding this subsection) shall
not be considered to have been brought to the attention of such creditor until
such notice is received by such person or such subdivision.
`(2) A monetary penalty may not be imposed on a creditor for a violation of
a stay in effect under section 362(a) (including a monetary penalty imposed
under section 362(k)) or for failure to comply with section 542 or 543 unless
the conduct that is the basis of such violation or of such failure occurs after
such creditor receives notice effective under this section of the order for
relief.'.
(b) DEBTOR'S DUTIES- Section 521 of title 11, United States Code, as amended
by sections 106, 225, and 305, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), as so designated by section 106, by amending paragraph
(1) to read as follows:
`(1) file--
`(A) a list of creditors; and
`(B) unless the court orders otherwise--
`(i) a schedule of assets and liabilities;
`(ii) a schedule of current income and current expenditures;
`(iii) a statement of the debtor's financial affairs and, if section 342(b)
applies, a certificate--
`(I) of an attorney whose name is indicated on the petition as the attorney
for the debtor, or a bankruptcy petition preparer signing the petition under
section 110(b)(1), indicating that such attorney or the bankruptcy petition
preparer delivered to the debtor the notice required by section 342(b); or
`(II) if no attorney is so indicated, and no bankruptcy petition preparer
signed the petition, of the debtor that such notice was received and read by
the debtor;
`(iv) copies of all payment advices or other evidence of payment received
within 60 days before the date of the filing of the petition, by the debtor
from any employer of the debtor;
`(v) a statement of the amount of monthly net income, itemized to show how
the amount is calculated; and
`(vi) a statement disclosing any reasonably anticipated increase in income
or expenditures over the 12-month period following the date of the filing of
the petition;'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(e)(1) If the debtor in a case under chapter 7 or 13 is an individual and
if a creditor files with the court at any time a request to receive a copy
of the petition, schedules, and statement of financial affairs filed by the
debtor, then the court shall make such petition, such schedules, and such statement
available to such creditor.
`(2)(A) The debtor shall provide--
`(i) not later than 7 days before the date first set for the first meeting
of creditors, to the trustee a copy of the Federal income tax return required
under applicable law (or at the election of the debtor, a transcript of such
return) for the most recent tax year ending immediately before the commencement
of the case and for which a Federal income tax return was filed; and
`(ii) at the same time the debtor complies with clause (i), a copy of such
return (or if elected under clause (i), such transcript) to any creditor that
timely requests such copy.
`(B) If the debtor fails to comply with clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph
(A), the court shall dismiss the case unless the debtor demonstrates that the
failure to so comply is due to circumstances beyond the control of the debtor.
`(C) If a creditor requests a copy of such tax return or such transcript and
if the debtor fails to provide a copy of such tax return or such transcript
to such creditor at the time the debtor provides such tax return or such transcript
to the trustee, then the court shall dismiss the case unless the debtor demonstrates
that the failure to provide a copy of such tax return or such transcript is
due to circumstances beyond the control of the debtor.
`(3) If a creditor in a case under chapter 13 files with the court at any
time a request to receive a copy of the plan filed by the debtor, then the
court shall make available to such creditor a copy of the plan--
`(A) at a reasonable cost; and
`(B) not later than 5 days after such request is filed.
`(f) At the request of the court, the United States trustee, or any party
in interest in a case under chapter 7, 11, or 13, a debtor who is an individual
shall file with the court--
`(1) at the same time filed with the taxing authority, a copy of each Federal
income tax return required under applicable law (or at the election of the
debtor, a transcript of such tax return) with respect to each tax year of the
debtor ending while the case is pending under such chapter;
`(2) at the same time filed with the taxing authority, each Federal income
tax return required under applicable law (or at the election of the debtor,
a transcript of such tax return) that had not been filed with such authority
as of the date of the commencement of the case and that was subsequently filed
for any tax year of the debtor ending in the 3-year period ending on the date
of the commencement of the case;
`(3) a copy of each amendment to any Federal income tax return or transcript
filed with the court under paragraph (1) or (2); and
`(4) in a case under chapter 13--
`(A) on the date that is either 90 days after the end of such tax year or
1 year after the date of the commencement of the case, whichever is later,
if a plan is not confirmed before such later date; and
`(B) annually after the plan is confirmed and until the case is closed, not
later than the date that is 45 days before the anniversary of the confirmation
of the plan;
a statement, under penalty of perjury, of the income and expenditures of the
debtor during the tax year of the debtor most recently concluded before such
statement is filed under this paragraph, and of the monthly income of the debtor,
that shows how income, expenditures, and monthly income are calculated.
`(g)(1) A statement referred to in subsection (f)(4) shall disclose--
`(A) the amount and sources of the income of the debtor;
`(B) the identity of any person responsible with the debtor for the support
of any dependent of the debtor; and
`(C) the identity of any person who contributed, and the amount contributed,
to the household in which the debtor resides.
`(2) The tax returns, amendments, and statement of income and expenditures
described in subsections (e)(2)(A) and (f) shall be available to the United
States trustee (or the bankruptcy administrator, if any), the trustee, and
any party in interest for inspection and copying, subject to the requirements
of section 315(c) of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection
Act of 2005.
`(h) If requested by the United States trustee or by the trustee, the debtor
shall provide--
`(1) a document that establishes the identity of the debtor, including a driver's
license, passport, or other document that contains a photograph of the debtor;
or
`(2) such other personal identifying information relating to the debtor that
establishes the identity of the debtor.'.
(c)(1) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall
establish procedures for safeguarding the confidentiality of any tax information
required to be provided under this section.
(2) The procedures under paragraph (1) shall include restrictions on creditor
access to tax information that is required to be provided under this section.
(3) Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director
of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall prepare and
submit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
of Representatives a report that--
(A) assesses the effectiveness of the procedures established under paragraph
(1); and
(B) if appropriate, includes proposed legislation to--
(i) further protect the confidentiality of tax information; and
(ii) provide penalties for the improper use by any person of the tax information
required to be provided under this section.
SEC. 316. DISMISSAL FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE SCHEDULES
OR PROVIDE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
Section 521 of title 11, United States Code, as amended by sections 106, 225,
305, and 315, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(i)(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (4) and notwithstanding section 707(a),
if an individual debtor in a voluntary case under chapter 7 or 13 fails to
file all of the information required under subsection (a)(1) within 45 days
after the date of the filing of the petition, the case shall be automatically
dismissed effective on the 46th day after the date of the filing of the petition.
`(2) Subject to paragraph (4) and with respect to a case described in paragraph
(1), any party in interest may request the court to enter an order dismissing
the case. If requested, the court shall enter an order of dismissal not later
than 5 days after such request.
`(3) Subject to paragraph (4) and upon request of the debtor made within 45
days after the date of the filing of the petition described in paragraph (1),
the court may allow the debtor an additional period of not to exceed 45 days
to file the information required under subsection (a)(1) if the court finds
justification for extending the period for the filing.
`(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, on the motion
of the trustee filed before the expiration of the applicable period of time
specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3), and after notice and a hearing, the
court may decline to dismiss the case if the court finds that the debtor attempted
in good faith to file all the information required by subsection (a)(1)(B)(iv)
and that the best interests of creditors would be served by administration
of the case.'.
SEC. 317. ADEQUATE TIME TO PREPARE FOR HEARING ON CONFIRMATION
OF THE PLAN.
Section 1324 of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking `After' and inserting the following:
`(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) and after'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(b) The hearing on confirmation of the plan may be held not earlier than
20 days and not later than 45 days after the date of the meeting of creditors
under section 341(a), unless the court determines that it would be in the best
interests of the creditors and the estate to hold such hearing at an earlier
date and there is no objection to such earlier date.'.
SEC. 318. CHAPTER 13 PLANS TO HAVE A 5-YEAR DURATION IN
CERTAIN CASES.
Title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by amending section 1322(d) to read as follows:
`(d)(1) If the current monthly income of the debtor and the debtor's spouse
combined, when multiplied by 12, is not less than--
`(A) in the case of a debtor in a household of 1 person, the median family
income of the applicable State for 1 earner;
`(B) in the case of a debtor in a household of 2, 3, or 4 individuals, the
highest median family income of the applicable State for a family of the same
number or fewer individuals; or
`(C) in the case of a debtor in a household exceeding 4 individuals, the highest
median family income of the applicable State for a family of 4 or fewer individuals,
plus $525 per month for each individual in excess of 4,
the plan may not provide for payments over a period that is longer than 5
years.
`(2) If the current monthly income of the debtor and the debtor's spouse combined,
when multiplied by 12, is less than--
`(A) in the case of a debtor in a household of 1 person, the median family
income of the applicable State for 1 earner;
`(B) in the case of a debtor in a household of 2, 3, or 4 individuals, the
highest median family income of the applicable State for a family of the same
number or fewer individuals; or
`(C) in the case of a debtor in a household exceeding 4 individuals, the highest
median family income of the applicable State for a family of 4 or fewer individuals,
plus $525 per month for each individual in excess of 4,
the plan may not provide for payments over a period that is longer than 3
years, unless the court, for cause, approves a longer period, but the court
may not approve a period that is longer than 5 years.';
(2) in section 1325(b)(1)(B), by striking `three-year period' and inserting
`applicable commitment period'; and
(3) in section 1325(b), as amended by section 102, by adding at the end the
following:
`(4) For purposes of this subsection, the `applicable commitment period'--
`(A) subject to subparagraph (B), shall be--
`(i) 3 years; or
`(ii) not less than 5 years, if the current monthly income of the debtor and
the debtor's spouse combined, when multiplied by 12, is not less than--
`(I) in the case of a debtor in a household of 1 person, the median family
income of the applicable State for 1 earner;
`(II) in the case of a debtor in a household of 2, 3, or 4 individuals, the
highest median family income of the applicable State for a family of the same
number or fewer individuals; or
`(III) in the case of a debtor in a household exceeding 4 individuals, the
highest median family income of the applicable State for a family of 4 or fewer
individuals, plus $525 per month for each individual in excess of 4; and
`(B) may be less than 3 or 5 years, whichever is applicable under subparagraph
(A), but only if the plan provides for payment in full of all allowed unsecured
claims over a shorter period.'; and
(4) in section 1329(c), by striking `three years' and inserting `the applicable
commitment period under section 1325(b)(1)(B)'.
SEC. 319. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING EXPANSION OF RULE
9011 OF THE FEDERAL RULES OF BANKRUPTCY PROCEDURE.
It is the sense of Congress that rule 9011 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedure (11 U.S.C. App.) should be modified to include a requirement that
all documents (including schedules), signed and unsigned, submitted to the
court or to a trustee by debtors who represent themselves and debtors who are
represented by attorneys be submitted only after the debtors or the debtors'
attorneys have made reasonable inquiry to verify that the information contained
in such documents is--
(1) well grounded in fact; and
(2) warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension,
modification, or reversal of existing law.
SEC. 320. PROMPT RELIEF FROM STAY IN INDIVIDUAL CASES.
Section 362(e) of title 11, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting `(1)' after `(e)'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in a case under chapter 7, 11, or 13 in
which the debtor is an individual, the stay under subsection (a) shall terminate
on the date that is 60 days after a request is made by a party in interest
under subsection (d), unless--
`(A) a final decision is rendered by the court during the 60-day period beginning
on the date of the request; or
`(B) such 60-day period is extended--
`(i) by agreement of all parties in interest; or
`(ii) by the court for such specific period of time as the court finds is
required for good cause, as described in findings made by the court.'.
SEC. 321. CHAPTER 11 CASES FILED BY INDIVIDUALS.
(a) PROPERTY OF THE ESTATE-
(1) IN GENERAL- Subchapter I of chapter 11 of title 11, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
`Sec. 1115. Property of the estate
`(a) In a case in which the debtor is an individual, property of the estate
includes, in addition to the property specified in section 541--
`(1) all property of the kind specified in section 541 that the debtor acquires
after the commencement of the case but before the case is closed, dismissed,
or converted to a case under chapter 7, 12, or 13, whichever occurs first;
and
`(2) earnings from services performed by the debtor after the commencement
of the case but before the case is closed, dismissed, or converted to a case
under chapter 7, 12, or 13, whichever occurs first.
`(b) Except as provided in section 1104 or a confirmed plan or order confirming
a plan, the debtor shall remain in possession of all property of the estate.'.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of sections for subchapter I of chapter
11 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`1115. Property of the estate.'.
(b) CONTENTS OF PLAN- Section 1123(a) of title 11, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking `and' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting `; and'; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
`(8) in a case in which the debtor is an individual, provide for the payment
to creditors under the plan of all or such portion of earnings from personal
services performed by the debtor after the commencement of the case or other
future income of the debtor as is necessary for the execution of the plan.'.
(c) CONFIRMATION OF PLAN-
(1) REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO VALUE OF PROPERTY- Section 1129(a) of title 11,
United States Code, as amended by section 213, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
`(15) In a case in which the debtor is an individual and in which the holder
of an allowed unsecured claim objects to the confirmation of the plan--
`(A) the value, as of the effective date of the plan, of the property to be
distributed under the plan on account of such claim is not less than the amount
of such claim; or
`(B) the value of the property to be distributed under the plan is not less
than the projected disposable income of the debtor (as defined in section 1325(b)(2))
to be received during the 5-year period beginning on the date that the first
payment is due under the plan, or during the period for which the plan provides
payments, whichever is longer.'.
(2) REQUIREMENT RELATING TO INTERESTS IN PROPERTY- Section 1129(b)(2)(B)(ii)
of title 11, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period
at the end the following: `, except that in a case in which the debtor is an
individual, the debtor may retain property included in the estate under section
1115, subject to the requirements of subsection (a)(14) of this section'.
(d) EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION- Section 1141(d) of title 11, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking `The confirmation of a plan does not discharge
an individual debtor' and inserting `A discharge under this chapter does not
discharge a debtor who is an individual'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(5) In a case in which the debtor is an individual--
`(A) unless after notice and a hearing the court orders otherwise for cause,
confirmation of the plan does not discharge any debt provided for in the plan
until the court grants a discharge on completion of all payments under the
plan;
`(B) at any time after the confirmation of the plan, and after notice and
a hearing, the court may grant a discharge to the debtor who has not completed
payments under the plan if--
`(i) the value, as of the effective date of the plan, of property actually
distributed under the plan on account of each allowed unsecured claim is not
less than the amount that would have been paid on such claim if the estate
of the debtor had been liquidated under chapter 7 on such date; and
`(ii) modification of the plan under section 1127 is not practicable; and'.
(e) MODIFICATION OF PLAN- Section 1127 of title 11, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
`(e) If the debtor is an individual, the plan may be modified at any time
after confirmation of the plan but before the completion of payments under
the plan, whether or not the plan has been substantially consummated, upon
request of the debtor, the trustee, the United States trustee, or the holder
of an allowed unsecured claim, to--
`(1) increase or reduce the amount of payments on claims of a particular class
provided for by the plan;
`(2) extend or reduce the time period for such payments; or
`(3) alter the amount of the distribution to a creditor whose claim is provided
for by the plan to the extent necessary to take account of any payment of such
claim made other than under the plan.
`(f)(1) Sections 1121 through 1128 and the requirements of section 1129 apply
to any modification under subsection (a).
`(2) The plan, as modified, shall become the plan only after there has been
disclosure under section 1125 as the court may direct, notice and a hearing,
and such modification is approved.'.
SEC. 322. LIMITATIONS ON HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.
(a) EXEMPTIONS- Section 522 of title 11, United States Code, as amended by
sections 224 and 308, is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(p)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and sections
544 and 548, as a result of electing under subsection (b)(3)(A) to exempt property
under State or local law, a debtor may not exempt any amount of interest that
was acquired by the debtor during the 1215-day period preceding the date of
the filing of the petition that exceeds in the aggregate $125,000 in value
in--
`(A) real or personal property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor
uses as a residence;
`(B) a cooperative that owns property that the debtor or a dependent of the
debtor uses as a residence;
`(C) a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor; or
`(D) real or personal property that the debtor or dependent of the debtor
claims as a homestead.
`(2)(A) The limitation under paragraph (1) shall not apply to an exemption
claimed under subsection (b)(3)(A) by a family farmer for the principal residence
of such farmer.
`(B) For purposes of paragraph (1), any amount of such interest does not include
any interest transferred from a debtor's previous principal residence (which
was acquired prior to the beginning of such 1215-day period) into the debtor's
current principal residence, if the debtor's previous and current residences
are located in the same State.
`(q)(1) As a result of electing under subsection (b)(3)(A) to exempt property
under State or local law, a debtor may not exempt any amount of an interest
in property described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of subsection
(p)(1) which exceeds in the aggregate $125,000 if--
`(A) the court determines, after notice and a hearing, that the debtor has
been convicted of a felony (as defined in section 3156 of title 18), which
under the circumstances, demonstrates that the filing of the case was an abuse
of the provisions of this title; or
`(B) the debtor owes a debt arising from--
`(i) any violation of the Federal securities laws (as defined in section 3(a)(47)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), any State securities laws, or any
regulation or order issued under Federal securities laws or State securities
laws;
`(ii) fraud, deceit, or manipulation in a fiduciary capacity or in connection
with the purchase or sale of any security registered under section 12 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or under section 6 of the Securities
Act of 1933;
`(iii) any civil remedy under section 1964 of title 18; or
`(iv) any criminal act, intentional tort, or willful or reckless misconduct
that caused serious physical injury or death to another individual in the preceding
5 years.
`(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the extent the amount of an interest
in property described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of subsection
(p)(1) is reasonably necessary for the support of the debtor and any dependent
of the debtor.'.
(b) ADJUSTMENT OF DOLLAR AMOUNTS- Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b)
of title 11, United States Code, as amended by section 224, are amended by
inserting `522(p), 522(q),' after `522(n),'.
SEC. 323. EXCLUDING EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS
AND OTHER PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE.
Section 541(b) of title 11, United States Code, as amended by section 225,
is amended by adding after paragraph (6), as added by section 225(a)(1)(C),
the following:
`(7) any amount--
`(A) withheld by an employer from the wages of employees for payment as contributions--
`(i) to--
`(I) an employee benefit plan that is subject to title I of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 or under an employee benefit plan which is a governmental
plan under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(II) a deferred compensation plan under section 457 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986; or
`(III) a tax-deferred annuity under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986;
except that such amount under this subparagraph shall not constitute disposable
income as defined in section 1325(b)(2); or
`(ii) to a health insurance plan regulated by State law whether or not subject
to such title; or
`(B) received by an employer from employees for payment as contributions--
`(i) to--
`(I) an employee benefit plan that is subject to title I of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 or under an employee benefit plan which is a governmental
plan under section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
`(II) a deferred compensation plan under section 457 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986; or
`(III) a tax-deferred annuity under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986;
except that such amount under this subparagraph shall not constitute disposable
income, as defined in section 1325(b)(2); or
`(ii) to a health insurance plan regulated by State law whether or not subject
to such title;'.
SEC. 324. EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION IN MATTERS INVOLVING BANKRUPTCY
PROFESSIONALS.
(a) IN GENERAL- Section 1334 of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking `Notwithstanding' and inserting `Except
as provided in subsection (e)(2), and notwithstanding'; and
(2) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
`(e) The district court in which a case under title 11 is commenced or is
pending shall have exclusive jurisdiction--
`(1) of all the property, wherever located, of the debtor as of the commencement
of such case, and of property of the estate; and
`(2) over all claims or causes of action that involve construction of section
327 of title 11, United States Code, or rules relating to disclosure requirements
under section 327.'.
(b) APPLICABILITY- This section shall only apply to cases filed after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 325. UNITED STATES TRUSTEE PROGRAM FILING FEE INCREASE.
(a) Actions Under Chapter 7, 11, or 13 of Title 11, United States Code- Section
1930(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
`(1) For a case commenced under--
`(A) chapter 7 of title 11, $200; and
`(B) chapter 13 of title 11, $150.'; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking `$800' and inserting `$1000'.
(b) United States Trustee System Fund- Section 589a(b) of title 28, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
`(1)(A) 40.63 percent of the fees collected under section 1930(a)(1)(A) of
this title; and
`(B) 70.00 percent of the fees collected under section 1930(a)(1)(B);';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking `one-half' and inserting `75 percent'; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking `one-half' and inserting `100 percent'.
(c) Collection and Deposit of Miscellaneous Bankruptcy Fees- Section 406(b)
of the Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1990 (28 U.S.C. 1931 note) is amended
by striking `pursuant to 28 U.S.C. section 1930(b)' and all that follows through
`28 U.S.C. section 1931' and inserting `under section 1930(b) of title 28,
United States Code, 31.25 of the fees collected under section 1930(a)(1)(A)
of that title, 30.00 percent of the fees collected under section 1930(a)(1)(B)
of that title, and 25 percent of the fees collected under section 1930(a)(3)
of that title shall be deposited as offsetting receipts to the fund established
under section 1931 of that title'.
(d) Sunset Date- The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) shall be effective
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
(e) Use of Increased Receipts-
(1) JUDGES' SALARIES AND BENEFITS- The amount of fees collected under paragraphs
(1) and (3) of section 1930(a) of title 28, United States Code, during the
5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, that is greater
than the amount that would have been collected if the amendments made by subsection
(a) had not taken effect shall be used, to the extent necessary, to pay the
salaries and benefits of the judges appointed pursuant to section 1223 of this
Act.
(2) REMAINDER- Any amount described in paragraph (1), which is not used for
the purpose described in paragraph (1), shall be deposited into the Treasury
of the United States to the extent necessary to offset the decrease in governmental
receipts resulting from the amendments made by subsections (b) and (c).
SEC. 326. SHARING OF COMPENSATION.
Section 504 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
`(c) This section shall not apply with respect to sharing, or agreeing to
share, compensation with a bona fide public service attorney referral program
that operates in accordance with non-Federal law regulating attorney referral
services and with rules of professional responsibility applicable to attorney
acceptance of referrals.'.
SEC. 327. FAIR VALUATION OF COLLATERAL.
Section 506(a) of title 11, United States Code, is amended by--
(1) inserting `(1)' after `(a)'; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
`(2) If the debtor is an individual in a case under chapter 7 or 13, such
value with respect to personal property securing an allowed claim shall be
determined based on the replacement value of such property as of the date of
the filing of the petition without deduction for costs of sale or marketing.
With respect to property acquired for personal, family, or household purposes,
replacement value shall mean the price a retail merchant would charge for property
of that kind considering the age and condition of the property at the time
value is determined.'.
SEC. 328. DEFAULTS BASED ON NONMONETARY OBLIGATIONS.
(a) EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES- Section 365 of title 11, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
the following: `other than a default that is a breach of a provision relating
to the satisfaction of any provision (other than a penalty rate or penalty
provision) relating to a default arising from any failure to perform nonmonetary
obligations under an unexpired lease of real property, if it is impossible
for the trustee to cure such default by performing nonmonetary acts at and
after the time of assumption, except that if such default arises from a failure
to operate in accordance with a nonresidential real property lease, then such
default shall be cured by performance at and after the time of assumption in
accordance with such lease, and pecuniary losses resulting from such default
shall be compensated in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph;';
and
(B) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking `penalty rate or provision' and inserting
`penalty rate or penalty provision';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting `or' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking `; or' at the end and inserting a period;
and
(C) by striking paragraph (4);
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (5) through (9); and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (5); and
(4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking `; except that' and all that follows
through the end of the paragraph and inserting a period.
(b) IMPAIRMENT OF CLAIMS OR INTERESTS- Section 1124(2) of title 11, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting `or of a kind that section 365(b)(2)
expressly does not require to be cured' before the semicolon at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking `and' at the end;
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and
(4) by inserting |