Does a state law permitting the government to take and sell a debtor’s home to satisfy a tax debt, and keep the surplus value as a windfall, violate the Takings Clause? That is the question before the Supreme Court in two separate cert. petitions. Fair v. Continental Resources, No. 22-160 (filed Aug. 19, 2022) and Tyler v. Hennepin Cty, No. 22-166 (filed Aug. 19, 2022). It is also the question that was recently answered affirmatively by the Sixth Circuit in the case of Hall v. Meisner, No. 21-1700 (6th Cir. Oct. 13, 2022). These cases could have significant consequences in the bankruptcy context where debtors often challenge tax sales under avoidance principles (the issue raised in another Supreme Court cert petition, County of Ontario v. Gunsalus, No. 22-294). Certainly, the Sixth Circuit case adds ammunition to the Michigan bankruptcy debtor’s arsenal.
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