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A bill to amend title 11, United States Code, to provide for family fishermen, and to make chapter 12 of title 11, United States Code, permanent.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 23, 1999

Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to reenact permanently chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (Adjustments of Debts of a Family Farmer). Amends Federal bankruptcy provisions to include family fishermen as authorized debtors. Requires a guarantor of a claim of a creditor to be treated in the same manner as a creditor with respect to the operation of a stay under such provisions. Treats, with respect to the ownership or operation of a commercial fishing operation, a co-maker of a loan made by a creditor in the same manner as a creditor with respect to such a stay. Includes a commercial fishing operation under provisions concerning debtor rights and powers. Treats a claim for a lien for a commercial fishing vessel of a family fisherman as an unsecured claim. States that such treatment shall not apply to: (1) a claim made by a crewmember or seaman for wages or personal injury; or (2) a preferred ship mortgage that has been perfected under provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] · R–ME

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3134-3135)

  3. Introduced in Senate

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3891-3892)

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.684 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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