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Bill > SB1138
PA SB1138
PA SB1138Adopting Uniform Acts: in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in wills, further providing for validity of execution and for revocation of a will; providing for electronic wills; in dispositions independent of letters, family exemption, probate of wills and grant of letters, further providing for self-proved wills; providing for uniform electronic estate planning documents; and making conforming changes.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
In Committee
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, adopting Uniform Acts: in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in wills, further providing for validity of execution and for revocation of a will; providing for electronic wills; in dispositions independent of letters, family exemption, probate of wills and grant of letters, further providing for self-proved wills; providing for uniform electronic estate planning documents; and making conforming changes.
AI Summary
This bill updates Pennsylvania law to allow for electronic wills and other estate planning documents, aligning with uniform acts that govern these matters. It amends existing definitions to include "electronic will" and "writing" to encompass electronic formats, and establishes new chapters for "Electronic Wills" and "Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents." The bill outlines the requirements for executing an electronic will, including it being a readable record signed by the testator or another person at their direction, and witnessed by at least two individuals. It also details how electronic wills can be revoked and made self-proving, and allows for certified paper copies of electronic wills. Furthermore, the bill permits various non-testamentary estate planning documents, such as trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives, to be created and signed electronically, provided they meet specific criteria for electronic records and signatures, and clarifies that electronic signatures are legally valid for these documents. Conforming changes are made to existing laws regarding living wills, healthcare powers of attorney, mental health declarations, and disclaimers to accommodate these new electronic provisions.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Lisa Baker (R)*,
Camera Bartolotta (R),
Amanda Cappelletti (D),
Jay Costa (D),
Art Haywood (D),
Greg Rothman (R),
Judy Schwank (D),
Pat Stefano (R),
Elder Vogel (R),
Judy Ward (R),
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary (on 01/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1138 |
| BillText | https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/text/PDF/2025/0/SB1138/PN1375 |
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