House Bill 4321

Sponsor: Rep. Terry Geiger

Complete to 4-2-99

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4321 AS INTRODUCED 2-23-99

Currently, the secretary of state issues both a registration certificate and a certificate of title when a vehicle is registered and registration fees are paid. Vehicles that can only be used for scrap are issued a scrap certificate of title. The registration certificate is required to contain the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the vehicle's registration number, and a description of the vehicle. The certificate of title is required to be manufactured in such a way as to prevent, as nearly as possible, the ability to reproduce, alter, counterfeit, forge, or duplicate it. The certificate of title must also contain the same information as the registration certificate, as well as the number of miles recorded on the odometer; if the vehicle is to be used or has been used as a taxi, as a police vehicle, or by a political subdivision of the state (except for vehicles owned by a dealer and loaned to a municipality for use as a driver education car); whether it is a salvage vehicle; if it had previously been issued a rebuilt or scrap certificate of title; a statement of the owner's title and any liens on the vehicle or any accessory; the date the application was filed; and any other information the secretary of state may require.

House Bill 4321 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require a seal to be added to the list of items that a certificate of title must contain. Under the bill, the secretary of state would have to develop a seal that would be difficult to duplicate, and that would aid in the prevention of fraud. The bill would also require the secretary of state to design a certificate of title that was in a two-part form. The two-part form would have to consist of one part that the buyer would fill out when transferring the title and a second part that the seller would file with the secretary of state or retain as proof of sale.

MCL 257.222

Analyst: S. Stutzky

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.