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What is a chapter 9 bankruptcy?

I read online that a couple of cities are considering filing chapter 9 bankruptcy. Never heard of it before. Is chapter 9 just for governments like cities or states? I don't know if it matters but the cities were not in Massachusetts. Thanks.

Chapter 9 Bankruptcy

Cities, but not states can file Chapter 9 bankruptcy.  However, over half of the states (26) do not allow their cities and towns to file chapter 9 bankruptcy unless the state government has passed a statute enabling such a filing. It doesn't happen very often. Back in 1994 Orange County California filed for bankruptcy protection. Massachusetts is one of the states that requires specific statutory authorization before a municipality can take advantage of the protections offered by bankruptcy. For more general information about bankruptcy, make sure you visit our Massachusetts Bankruptcy Discussion Forum.

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