MI HB4039

Requires county treasurers to send certified mail notice by February 1 following delinquent tax return, informing property owners of forfeiture date, accumulated taxes/interest/penalties, redemption rights, and March 31 deadline for payment before absolute title vests in the foreclosing governmental unit.

Mandates foreclosing governmental units to initiate title searches by May 1 after property forfeiture to identify all property interest owners entitled to notice, with authority to contract with title companies, attorneys, or other authorized representatives to conduct searches.

Requires personal visits to forfeited properties to determine occupancy and, if occupied, attempt personal service of foreclosure hearing notice, oral notification of foreclosure timeline, and referral to assistance agencies if occupant appears unable to understand the information.

Establishes notice by publication procedures requiring notices be inserted for 2 successive weeks in county newspapers or legal publications, with option to post notices on governmental websites for at least 14 days, if property interest owners cannot be located by address or personally served.

Defines "notice publication" to include newspapers and print publications meeting specific criteria (weekly distribution, 50% English language content, at least 1 year published, acceptance of official notices) and "website" as Internet pages with HTML format and hypertext links.