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HR 3652 110th Congress House Finance and Financial Sector Bankruptcy Collective bargaining Commerce Corporate reorganizations Defined benefit pension plans Defined contribution plans Employee benefit plans Executive compensation Fraud Health Labor and Employment Law Layoffs Pension funds Retiree health benefits Securities Severance pay Trusts and trustees

Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007

Introduced: September 25, 2007 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 12, 2007
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.
Sep 25, 2007
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sep 25, 2007
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1976)
Sep 25, 2007
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2007 - Amends federal bankruptcy law to increase the maximum amount per individual or corporationof unsecured claims ranked in the fourth (wages, salaries, or commissions) and fifth (employee benefit plan contributions) order of priority.

Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals.

Ranks in sixth order of priority the diminished value of debtor's equity securities held in a defined contribution plan if the employer or plan sponsor committed fraud regarding the plan.

Permits within administrative expenses certain severance pay for termination or layoffs.

Prohibits certain senior executive compensation from being disproportionate in light of economic concessions by debtor's nonmanagement workforce.

Disallows as an administrative expense specified executive compensation enhancements.

Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) insurance benefits for retired employees; and (3) the status of certain employee benefits in a sale of business assets.

Allows defined benefit plan participants to file claims for certain shortfalls in pension benefits.

Permits inclusion within the necessary costs and expenses of preserving property the mandatory recovery of unpaid obligations owed to employees.

Directs the court to consider the extent to which alternative reorganization plans maintain: (1) jobs; (2) defined benefit plans; and (3) retiree health benefits.

Prohibits assumption of deferred compensation for the benefit of insiders or senior management if an employee defined benefit plan has been terminated.

Limits the recovery of executive compensation if the debtor has reduced its contractual obligations under either a collective bargaining agreement or retiree benefits plan.

Excepts from an automatic stay: (1) a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement prior to commencement of bankruptcy; or (2) an award or settlement under such proceeding.

Authorizes the bankruptcy trustee to avoid transfers made for the benefit of an insider or certain consultants in anticipation of bankruptcy.

Revises prerequisites to court confirmation of a business reorganization plan which continues retiree benefits.

What's happening now October 12, 2007

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2