Probate update (Senate Bill 71) presented to rules committee; members agree to continue interim work

Representative Jeter presented Senate Bill 71, describing the probate update developed by the Probate Study Commission. He said the bill focuses on creating a guardianship task force and raising some limits on gifts by minors that can be done without court approval. The presenter said the House committee had considered folding some of the commission’s work into the Judiciary Committee but the Senate preferred to retain the Probate Study Commission; members agreed to continue interim efforts to improve efficiency.

Committee members praised retaining the commission’s expertise. “I’m pleased that you’re saving the probate code study committee because they’re the only people who actually understand the probate code,” Representative Pierce said. A probate attorney on the committee said some additions can complicate practice; Jeter said the partners would continue to work through those issues in the interim.

A motion to provide the conference committee report for Senate Bill 71 for member distribution and hold it for one hour was made and approved on a roll call; the clerk recorded the motion as passed (9–0).