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Consumer Protection and Corporate Accountability in Bankruptcy Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8393| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
Emilia Strong Sykes

Emilia Strong Sykes

Democratic Representative

Ohio

Cosponsors (2)
Lance Gooden (Republican)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill significantly amends the Bankruptcy Code to address perceived abuses in Chapter 11 filings by allowing for case dismissal if the petition is objectively futile or filed in subjective bad faith . It also mandates that a Chapter 11 plan be filed not later than 24 months after the petition date. The legislation establishes several presumptions for subjective bad faith to guide these dismissals. A court shall presume bad faith if the debtor manufactured the venue, a presumption rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence. Conclusive presumptions of bad faith arise if the filing's purpose is to gain a tactical litigation advantage, impose undue delay on creditors, or cap liability for certain protected claims when the debtor has sufficient assets. Such presumptions also apply if the debtor was involved in a divisional merger or corporate restructuring within four years prior to filing, or engaged in substantial avoidable asset transfers to insiders or affiliates during that period. Additionally, the bill introduces a new exception to the automatic stay, permitting actions against non-debtor entities for specific "protected claims" when the debtor was involved in a corporate restructuring within four years. "Protected claim" is broadly defined to include claims against non-debtor entities arising from their ownership, management, or involvement in corporate structure changes, or claims relating to injury or loss affecting at least 100 individuals caused by the debtor's or non-debtor's product. These amendments apply to all bankruptcy cases filed or pending on or after the Act's enactment.
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Timeline
Apr 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4346
Introduced in Senate
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4346
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Finance and Financial Sector

Related Bills

  • S 119-4346: Consumer Protection and Corporate Accountability in Bankruptcy Act of 2026

Consumer Protection and Corporate Accountability in Bankruptcy Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8393| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
This bill significantly amends the Bankruptcy Code to address perceived abuses in Chapter 11 filings by allowing for case dismissal if the petition is objectively futile or filed in subjective bad faith . It also mandates that a Chapter 11 plan be filed not later than 24 months after the petition date. The legislation establishes several presumptions for subjective bad faith to guide these dismissals. A court shall presume bad faith if the debtor manufactured the venue, a presumption rebuttable only by clear and convincing evidence. Conclusive presumptions of bad faith arise if the filing's purpose is to gain a tactical litigation advantage, impose undue delay on creditors, or cap liability for certain protected claims when the debtor has sufficient assets. Such presumptions also apply if the debtor was involved in a divisional merger or corporate restructuring within four years prior to filing, or engaged in substantial avoidable asset transfers to insiders or affiliates during that period. Additionally, the bill introduces a new exception to the automatic stay, permitting actions against non-debtor entities for specific "protected claims" when the debtor was involved in a corporate restructuring within four years. "Protected claim" is broadly defined to include claims against non-debtor entities arising from their ownership, management, or involvement in corporate structure changes, or claims relating to injury or loss affecting at least 100 individuals caused by the debtor's or non-debtor's product. These amendments apply to all bankruptcy cases filed or pending on or after the Act's enactment.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 20, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4346
Introduced in Senate
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 20, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4346
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Emilia Strong Sykes

Emilia Strong Sykes

Democratic Representative

Ohio

Cosponsors (2)
Lance Gooden (Republican)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Finance and Financial Sector

Related Bills

  • S 119-4346: Consumer Protection and Corporate Accountability in Bankruptcy Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted