STEVE INSKEEP, host: The business news starts with help for people bankrupted by hurricanes.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, host: People in the path of Katrina and Rita will be exempted from      many provisions of a new bankruptcy law that takes effect later this      month.  Top officials at the Justice Department say that will include      waiving some of the new rules and also taking into account special      circumstances.  Here's NPR's Jack Speer.</s>JACK SPEER reporting: The new law that takes effect October 17th makes sweeping changes to the      nation's bankruptcy code.  Among other things, it requires a means test      to determine whether individuals can pay some of their bills or should      have their debts erased, but for victims of the recent hurricanes, the      government has instructed bankruptcy trustees to be more lenient.      Justice Department officials say in determining eligibility, trustees      will look at lost income and expenses, and because many storm victims      were scattered, they will be exempt from providing certain documents and      appearing for court in their local jurisdictions.  Those affected by the      hurricanes also will not be required to undergo mandatory credit      counseling.</s>JACK SPEER reporting: Jack Speer, NPR News, Washington.
Justice Department officials say there will be more leniency for hurricane victims who are filing for bankruptcy, despite a new law that tightens restrictions. Hurricane victims will not be required to take credit counseling, and will not have to appear in court in their local jurisdictions.