Bill > S08175

This bill amends the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act to expand and modernize methods for serving legal process (official court documents), primarily by introducing electronic service as a valid method. The bill allows service of process through various means, including personal delivery, mail, court-ordered methods, and now explicitly electronic transmission. Specifically, the bill permits service by electronic means as defined in the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR), requiring the court document to have the case caption in the subject line. The bill also adjusts service time requirements, specifying different waiting periods depending on the method of service: 10 days for personal delivery within the state, 20 days for service within the United States by non-personal methods, and 30 days for other cases or when the Attorney General is a party. Additionally, the bill updates language around service methods to be more gender-neutral and clarifies procedures for serving non-domiciliary and non-citizen individuals. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in serving legal documents, particularly in cases where traditional methods might be difficult or impractical, and to accommodate modern communication technologies.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8175