The SBA’s Rules Exclude Bankruptcy Debtors from Relief Under the Paycheck Protection Program

Pursuant to the Federal Credit Union Act, the National Credit Union Administration issued a temporary final rule on April 21, easing regulatory requirements to assist federal credit unions (“FCUs”) and federally insured credit unions (“FICUs”) during the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. The rule makes the following key changes that will be effective through December 31, 2020:

It is well settled that the purpose of filing a bankruptcy petition is to “give[] the honest but unfortunate debtor . . . a new opportunity in life and a clear field for future effort, unhampered by the pressure and discouragement of pre-existing debt.” Local Loan Co. v. Hunt, 292 U.S. 234, (1934). A debtor’s discharge in bankruptcy, and the corresponding injunction provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, are the two primary elements that effectuate this financial fresh start.Chapman v. Bituminous Ins. Co. (In re Coho Res., Inc.), 345 F.3d 338, 342 (5th Cir. 2003).