Bill > SB480

This bill revives and amends several statutes related to the estates of absentees, which are individuals who have disappeared and are unheard from, or who are reported as prisoners of war or missing in action by the Department of Defense. The bill clarifies that district courts have jurisdiction to administer the property of such absentees within the state. It allows for the appointment of a trustee to manage the absentee's estate until they return or are declared dead, outlining the process for filing a petition and notifying next of kin. The bill also establishes procedures for presuming an absentee dead after a period of absence and a diligent search, and provides specific rules for determining death in cases of catastrophic events or disasters, such as natural disasters or acts of war. Importantly, the bill ensures that laws governing the administration of estates of known deceased individuals will apply to absentees presumed dead, with provisions for the return of property if the absentee reappears.

Justice

Judiciary (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb480/