Senate Judiciary Committee members Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar, Joni Ernst and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on Tuesday introduced S. 1091, the "Small Business Reorganization Act" (SBRA), according to a press release from Sen. Grassley's office. The bill streamlines existing bankruptcy procedures and provides new tools to improve small businesses’ ability to restructure. Representatives Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.) are working to introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Our bankruptcy system is designed to help highly complex businesses reorganize after falling on hard times, but for many small businesses going through bankruptcy, these requirements can create unnecessary burdens that stall recovery," Grassley said. "The Small Business Reorganization Act takes into account the unique needs of small businesses and streamlines existing reorganization processes. The legislation adds a new subchapter V to chapter 11 to streamline the bankruptcy process for small business debtors. By reducing liquidations and increasing recoveries to creditors, the bill will lead to more successful restructurings. Specifically, key provisions of the Small Business Reorganization Act will increase debtors’ ability to negotiate a successful reorganization and retain control of the business, reduce unnecessary procedural burdens and costs, and increases oversight and ensures quick reorganization. The SBRA was crafted in consultation with ABI, the National Bankruptcy Conference and the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, and it incorporates input from numerous stakeholders ranging from commercial lenders to U.S. Trustees. Read the full press release.
Click here to read the full bill text.
Click here to read a fact sheet on the bill.
