Bill > HB1091

This bill amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession law (the rules for distributing a deceased person's estate when there is no valid will) by modifying the order of inheritance and introducing a new provision for when no direct heirs exist. Currently, if no surviving spouse or direct descendants are present, the estate would pass first to parents, then to siblings or their children, then to grandparents, then to aunts, uncles, and their descendants. The key change is that instead of the estate defaulting to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when no heirs can be found, it will now go to an "endowed community fund" in the decedent's final county of residence. The bill also carefully defines what qualifies as a community foundation, establishing specific criteria such as being in existence for at least 10 years, maintaining tax-exempt status, having an independent governing body, conducting annual financial audits, and having ongoing charitable activities. These new provisions aim to ensure that unclaimed estates benefit local community organizations rather than being absorbed by the state government, with specific safeguards to ensure the funds are reputable and serve public interests. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1091