Bill > HB176

Here is a summary of the bill: This bill establishes comprehensive provisions relating to electronic estate planning and introduces several significant legal changes across multiple areas of Missouri law. The bill creates a new Uniform Electronic Wills and Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, which allows for the electronic execution of various estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary deeds. Key provisions include enabling electronic signatures, remote online notarization, and creating standards for the validity of electronically executed documents. The bill also introduces a Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to provide broader protections for free speech, and updates numerous statutes related to trusts, estate administration, and fiduciary responsibilities. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to workers' compensation, administrative law judges, treatment courts, and jury compensation. A significant aspect of the bill is its focus on modernizing legal processes by allowing electronic documentation and signatures while maintaining legal safeguards. The changes are set to take effect on August 28, 2025, giving state agencies and legal professionals time to adapt to the new regulations.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB176&year=2025&code=R