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Sponsor presents bill to allow next of kin one-time renewal of deceased owner's vehicle registration
Summary
House Bill 4674 would let a deceased vehicle owner's next of kin temporarily renew registration when the survivor is not a titled owner; testimony described three safeguards: a single renewal, no renewal if registration had been expired six months or more at time of death, and renewal only within one year of notice or until title transfer.
A sponsor presented House Bill 4674 to the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee, saying the measure would help surviving family members who cannot legally renew a deceased relative's vehicle registration because they are not a titled owner. The sponsor said the situation is particularly difficult when a vehicle is leased or financed and a lender or leaseholder holds a secured interest or the probate process delays a title transfer.
The sponsor told the committee the bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to permit a next of kin to renew registration one time while they pursue title transfer. The sponsor listed three safeguards included in the bill: the renewal may be used only once, it cannot be used if the registration had been expired for six months or longer at the time of the owner's death, and the renewal must occur within one year after the Secretary of State is notified of the owner's death or earlier if the title is transferred.
The sponsor said the change is “a very niche issue” that occurs only when a survivor is not a titled owner, but can leave families unable to legally operate a vehicle during probate or when a financial institution or leasing company controls the title. The sponsor brought a Department of State representative to the table during testimony to “clean up any mess I might make while trying to explain this bill.” The transcript later records a waiting-card notation listing “Nick Endreary, Michigan Department of State” as supporting and not wishing to speak.
No committee vote on HB 4674 was recorded in the excerpt. Representative Neier moved to excuse an absent member later in the session; the motion prevailed by unanimous consent, and the committee adjourned.
