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SB 139

Vehicles: off-road; electronic transfer of title or interest in off-road vehicle or watercraft; provide for. Amends secs. 80304 & 81105 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.80304 & 324.81105).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan authorizes electronic title transfers for off-road vehicles and watercraft, replacing paper-based ownership documentation with digital systems.

referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
#vehicles:off-road #watercraft:other
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Bill Summary · SB 139

Legislative bill overview

SB 139 amends Michigan's vehicle code to allow electronic transfer of title and ownership interests for off-road vehicles and watercraft, modernizing what are currently paper-based processes. The bill updates sections 80304 and 81105 of the 1994 Michigan Vehicle Code to accommodate digital title management systems.

Why is this important

Currently, transferring ownership of off-road vehicles and watercraft requires physical documents, creating delays, storage costs, and vulnerability to loss or fraud. Electronic titling reduces administrative burden on vehicle owners, dealers, and government agencies while potentially decreasing document fraud and improving record accuracy.

Potential points of contention

  • Digital infrastructure requirements: Rural areas or those with limited internet access may face barriers to completing electronic transfers, potentially creating a two-tiered system
  • Cybersecurity and data privacy: Electronic systems require robust protection against hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive ownership information
  • Legacy document handling: The bill may not clearly address how existing paper titles transition to the electronic system or whether both formats coexist temporarily

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

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