Debtor's prison?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2006
Debtor's prison?
2
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 5:26pm
A co-worker of mine today said that Bush passed a bill stating that a person can get arrested for not paying bills? What does that pertain to and how long must the bill be overdue?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2003
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 7:08pm

You can get arrested for not paying your bills, but it occurs after failing to make any attempt to resolve the debt.

It's not called Debtor's Prison any longer. But to a noncustodial parent arrested and cooling his/her heels in the local facility for nonpayment it prolly feels that way.

Consumer debt is more involved and I am unaware of the legislation your friend mentioned.

Bush did, however, in 2005 sign into law the bankruptcy reform act, which was heavily lobbied for by the credit card industry and other lenders. I don't know about getting thrown in jail, but for some people who had a safety net under the old system, the new laws have eliminated the opportunity to hold onto their home thus making prison a preferable choice to homelessness. I have read about lawyers advocating to roll-back the reform to give those who were victims of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters in the Gulf, protection under the old bankruptcy statutes, which were to protect and care for those in need of protection.

If your friend has more info about a specific law or what it was about, maybe others on the board can help. There's a lot of experience and wisdom here.

Hope this helps.

Carolyn

Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 02-28-2006 - 9:17pm
Hi there - I'm afraid we need more information.

All my best,
Danni