To temporarily reenact chapter 12 of title 11 of the United States Code.
Latest action (15 Oct 1998): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 4831 would temporarily reinstate Chapter 12 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the section of federal law that governs bankruptcy filings by family farmers. Chapter 12 had expired on September 30, 1998, and this bill would reenact it retroactively for a six-month period, from October 1, 1998, through April 1, 1999. The bill also specifies that any bankruptcy cases filed or already pending under Chapter 12 during that window would continue to be handled under its rules even after the reenactment period ends, so cases would not be disrupted by the provision's later expiration.
The bill primarily affects family farmers seeking bankruptcy protection, as well as their creditors and the bankruptcy courts handling such cases. By reauthorizing Chapter 12, it would ensure that farmers filing for bankruptcy during this period have access to the specialized debt-reorganization process designed for agricultural operations, rather than being limited to other bankruptcy chapters.
The bill was introduced on October 14, 1998, by Rep. Nick Smith and passed the House by voice vote the following day under an expedited procedure used for noncontroversial measures. However, according to the official record, it was never taken up or passed by the Senate, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced in a previous session of Congress and was passed by the House on October 15, 1998 but was never passed by the Senate.
Timeline
15 Oct 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4831 do?
- H.R. 4831 would temporarily reinstate Chapter 12 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the section of federal law that governs bankruptcy filings by family farmers. Chapter 12 had expired on September 30, 1998, and this bill would reenact it retroactively for a six-month period, from October 1, 1998, through April 1, 1999. The bill also specifies that any bankruptcy cases filed or already pending under Chapter 12 during that window would continue to be handled under its rules even after the reenactment period ends, so cases would not be disrupted by the provision's later expiration. The bill primarily affects family farmers seeking bankruptcy protection, as well as their creditors and the bankruptcy courts handling such cases. By reauthorizing Chapter 12, it would ensure that farmers filing for bankruptcy during this period have access to the specialized debt-reorganization process designed for agricultural operations, rather than being limited to other bankruptcy chapters. The bill was introduced on October 14, 1998, by Rep. Nick Smith and passed the House by voice vote the following day under an expedited procedure used for noncontroversial measures. However, according to the official record, it was never taken up or passed by the Senate, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 4831 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Oct 1998, H.R. 4831 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 4831?
- H.R. 4831 was sponsored by Rep. Nick Smith [R-MI7, 1993-2004] (Republican-MI), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4831?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Oct 1998).
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