Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act

This bill, the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act, aims to reduce forum shopping by restricting where companies and individuals can file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It directly affects businesses and individuals seeking bankruptcy protection by requiring cases to be filed in districts where the entity has maintained its principal place of business or principal assets for at least 180 days prior to filing, rather than allowing filings in any district with a legal connection. The law also prevents last-minute changes to an entity's location or ownership for the purpose of establishing venue and places the burden of proof on the filer to demonstrate proper venue. Additionally, the bill clarifies that cash and cash equivalents do not count as principal assets and allows government attorneys to appear in bankruptcy courts without meeting local rules about local counsel.