Minnesota Senate passes bill to expand electronic signing for estate planning documents

Senate File 3602, which would expand the ability to electronically sign estate planning documents beyond wills, passed the Minnesota Senate on March 18, 2026, by a vote of 59–7.

Senator Zachary Westland, sponsor, described the bill as "a joint effort between the Bar Association and the Minnesota Uniform Law Commissioners" and said it builds on the state’s 2023 Uniform Electronic Wills Act. "This bill expands the ability to electronically sign estate planning documents other than wills," Westland said, noting it would help Minnesotans who are hospitalized, homebound or living in rural areas who otherwise must travel long distances to see an attorney. "I ask for a green vote on the bill," he added.

Senator Erin Caron spoke in support during debate, saying the measure "brings our system into the future" and that stakeholder work and practitioner input informed the bill’s drafting. "It makes things easier for people to do their wills and their estate planning," Caron said, adding the changes should improve efficiency and affordability.

The secretary gave the bill its third reading and the Senate proceeded to a roll-call for final passage. Several members voting remotely were announced by presiding senators during the roll call. After voting, the clerk announced, "There being 59 ayes and 7 nays," and the bill was passed and its title agreed to.

The bill’s sponsors characterized the measure as technical and consumer-focused; no amendments or objections that changed the final outcome were recorded on the floor. The Senate agreed to the bill’s title, and the measure will proceed according to legislative process after transmittal to the House or enrollment as appropriate.

(Next procedural step: the bill was passed by the Senate; further action depends on the Legislature’s enrollment and any companion House action.)