A proposal from state Rep. Bradley Slagh protecting Michigan taxpayers who buy subdivided property was recently signed into law by the governor.

House Bill 4055, now Public Act 23 of 2019, addresses the issue of unpaid property taxes on land that may be subdivided. Slagh’s change will help solve the problem of delinquent tax payments when land is split up and ensure new owners will not be responsible for unpaid property tax bills of previous owners.

“It’s quite the unpleasant surprise for a new owner to have an outstanding, unpaid property tax bill from a previous owner,” said Slagh, of Zeeland, who previously served as Ottawa County treasurer from 2007-18. “Communities rely on property tax revenue as a key funding source to operate, and this legislation ensures that taxes are paid before splits happen and helps prevent foreclosures.”

The new law specifies that before a land parcel division may be complete, property taxes or special assessments on the land slated to be split must be paid.

Slagh said the legislation will aid local governments, who rely on prompt property tax payments for revenue and funding vital services citizens rely on.

The first-term legislator previously worked in financial services, holds a real estate license and served as Zeeland Township supervisor and Ottawa County treasurer.

The proposal had advanced unanimously through the Michigan House and Senate before receiving the governor’s signature.