The Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference determined that the Clerk of the U.S. District Court and the Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of North Dakota may suspend collection of copy fees for members of the bar who have lost records as a result of flood conditions in this district. Attorneys in this situation must file a certification that his or her records related to a particular matter have been destroyed as a result of flood conditions in the district. The waiver is effective April 28, 1997 through June 27, 1997.

Bankruptcy Judge William A. Hill has determined that equal treatment will be provided to pro se debtors and creditors who provide similar certification.

In March 1995 the Judicial Conference adopted a blanket policy to allow a waiver of copy fees, search fees and retrieval fees in bankruptcy cases when such documentation is required by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in applying for emergency aid. Individuals in those circumstances must submit an affidavit with their request to the court. The affidavits may be obtained through the Bankruptcy Clerk's office by calling 701-239-5120.

Edward J. Klecker Clerk, U.S. District Court

Ellen A. Johanson Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court