Gov. David Paterson has signed a much-anticipated bill that provides greater protections for people in bankruptcy or who have been sued by creditors or debt collectors. The bill increases the value of exemptions that people can exclude from forced sales or seizures by bankruptcy trustees or debt collectors. According to a report on the action in today's Times Union, equity in one’s home, for instance, will be protected not to $50,000 but to $75,000 or $150,000 in hi-cost counties and one’s car can be valued at $4,000 rather than the current level of $2,400.

Here the signing statement from the governor’s office:

“During this time of economic crisis, it is our responsibility as public servants to protect those who are struggling the most,” Governor Paterson said. “A reconsideration of the current exemptions, which in some cases have not been changed in decades, is particularly warranted when an increasing number of individuals find themselves in dire financial condition. Though this is not a perfect bill, the benefits far outweigh its concerns. I understand from legislators and advocacy groups that have supported this bill that they are fully committed to addressing the concerns raised by New York City and others, and I urge the Legislature to do so in the coming year. I’d like to thank Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein for her commitment to passing a chapter amendment to address those concerns.”

This bill would provide a much-needed update to the exemptions law in New York as many provisions of State’s exemptions law are antiquated or have not been amended since the 1980′s. The purpose of such exemptions is to permit debtors in bankruptcy to retain a modest amount of personal property and equity in their homes so that they can continue to maintain their lives, and to protect them from becoming homeless, unemployed, or otherwise dependent on the State.

Included in this legislation is a new exemption from the satisfaction of a money judgment for a vehicle not exceeding $4,000 above the debtor’s liens and encumbrances ($10,000 for a vehicle equipped for use by a disabled person) and a raise of the bankruptcy exemption accordingly. This bill would also increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to either $75,000, $125,000 or $250,000 depending upon the county of residence.