Fulltext Search

A years-long political duel over whether California should control local government bankruptcies was resolved on October 9, 2011. Chapter 9 of the Bankruptcy Code provides specifically for the reorganization of cities and towns, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts. California Governor Jerry Brown (D) signed legislation prohibiting local municipalities from filing for bankruptcy unless they first negotiate with creditors using a “neutral evaluation process” or vote to declare a fiscal emergency after a public hearing.

Introduction

Earlier this month, the Liquidating Trust in the Advanta Corp. bankruptcy proceeding began filing preference complaints in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.  Advanta and certain affiliates ("Advanta") filed for bankruptcy in Delaware in November of 2009.  As stated in the Liquidating Trust's complaints, Advanta was at one time one of the largest issuers of "business purpose credit cards" in the United States. 

Background