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HB 4613

Property: personal; act allowing ownership of certain personal property as tenancy by the entireties; revise gender-specific language. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1927 PA 212 (MCL 557.151). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 26 co-sponsors

Michigan bill expands joint property ownership rights for married couples to include personal assets while modernizing 1927 statute language.

bill electronically reproduced 06/10/2025
#civilrights:sexualorientationdiscrimination #property:personal
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Bill Summary · HB 4613

Legislative bill overview

HB 4613 amends Michigan's property law (the Uniform Estates and Guardianships Act of 1927) to allow married couples to hold certain personal property as "tenancy by the entireties"—a form of joint ownership traditionally available only for real estate. The bill also modernizes gender-specific language in the original statute to reflect contemporary legal standards.

Why is this important

Tenancy by the entireties provides legal protections for married couples, including rights of survivorship (automatic transfer to the surviving spouse upon death) and creditor protections in some states. Extending this to personal property could affect how married couples manage bank accounts, vehicles, and other assets, potentially simplifying estate planning and providing liability protection. This represents a modernization of Michigan property law that has remained largely unchanged since 1927.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill language "certain personal property" is vague—it's unclear which specific assets would qualify, potentially creating confusion and litigation over eligible property types
  • Creditor protection concerns: Extending tenancy by the entireties to personal property could allow couples to shield assets from creditors, raising fairness questions for legitimate creditors
  • Implementation complexity: Financial institutions and businesses may face operational challenges in recognizing and properly titling personal property under this new ownership structure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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