2019 Senate Bill 125 / 2020 Public Act 79

Revise unclaimed property law

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 26, 2019

Introduced by Sen. Tom Barrett (R-24)

To revise details of the state ”escheats law” that lets the state government take possession of unclaimed property if the owner does not claim it within three years. The bill would extend that three-year “period of dormancy” to five years for all military personnel, not just those who are outside the country.

Referred to the Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans

Oct. 31, 2019

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 5, 2019

Substitute offered by Sen. Tom Barrett (R-24)

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To revise details of the state ”escheats law” that lets the state government take possession of unclaimed property if the owner does not claim it within three years. The bill would extend that three-year “period of dormancy” to five years for all military personnel, not just those who are outside the country. It would also revise details of a report that a person holding property presumed abandoned must file each year with the state.

Received in the House

Dec. 5, 2019

Referred to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

March 3, 2020

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

March 10, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 17, 2020

Passed in the House 92 to 0 (details)

To revise details of the state ”escheats law” that lets the state government take possession of unclaimed property if the owner does not claim it within three years. The bill would extend that three-year “period of dormancy” to five years for all military personnel, not just those who are outside the country. It would also revise details of a report that a person holding property presumed abandoned must file each year with the state.

Received in the Senate

March 17, 2020

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

April 2, 2020