Civil procedure: bankruptcy; bankruptcy exemptions; modify. Amends sec. 5451 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.5451).

Michigan Senate Bill 1138 significantly increases the dollar limits for property that debtors can protect from creditors during federal bankruptcy proceedings. The bill raises specific exemption caps, such as increasing the homestead exemption to $125,000 for most individuals and $200,000 for those who are disabled or over age 65, while also boosting limits for household goods, motor vehicles, and business tools. Additionally, it expands protections for retirement accounts by clarifying that IRAs and qualified pension plans are generally exempt, with specific exclusions for recent contributions or amounts subject to court orders for child support and divorce. The legislation establishes a mechanism for the state treasurer to adjust these dollar amounts every three years based on consumer price and home value indices to keep pace with inflation.