FR 2021-00104

The document serves as a formal notice from the Judicial Conference of the United States, specifically from the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, announcing the cancellation of a remote public hearing. This hearing was initially set to discuss proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and was scheduled for January 29, 2021.

General Summary

This notice informs the public and interested stakeholders that a significant hearing on bankruptcy rules will no longer take place as planned. The hearing's cancellation is communicated through a standard notice format, providing essential details such as the date of cancellation and contact information for further inquiries. Rebecca A. Womeldorf, the Secretary of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, is listed as the primary contact.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One primary issue with this document is the lack of explanation regarding the reason for the cancellation. For stakeholders who may have been preparing to participate or submit comments, this omission could cause confusion and potentially lead to frustration. Additionally, the reference to "85 FR 48562" suggests prior announcements were made, yet the document provides no specifics on what those announcements were.

Furthermore, while contact information is provided, there is no alternative contact mentioned, which could delay responses if the primary contact is unavailable. The document also includes legal references, such as 28 U.S.C. 2073, which might be unclear for those without a legal background. Similarly, the inclusion of a billing code, "2210-55-P," without additional context might be perplexing for those unfamiliar with federal documentation procedures.

Public Impact

The cancellation of this hearing could have broad implications for individuals and entities interested in bankruptcy procedures. Public hearings are a vital part of the rule amendment process, as they provide a platform for feedback and discussion. Without such a forum, stakeholders may feel excluded from the decision-making process, potentially reducing public trust in the system.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For legal practitioners, businesses, and individuals directly impacted by bankruptcy law, the cancellation may delay expected changes or clarifications to the rules. This could affect planning and strategy for those involved in or anticipating bankruptcy proceedings. On a positive note, the cancelation provides additional time for stakeholders to prepare for future opportunities to engage with the rule amendment process, whenever it resumes.

Overall, this cancellation notice underscores the importance of transparency and accessibility in the federal rulemaking process, while also highlighting areas where the provision of more comprehensive information could enhance stakeholder understanding and engagement.