SF 2240: Relating to wills, including witness requirements for the execution of a will and procedure for wills to be admitted into probate

What it does

This bill relates to requirements regarding wills. To be valid, all wills and codicils must be in writing and signed in the presence of two witnesses, whether the will is formally executed or self-proved. The bill provides that “presence” means any manner, physical or electronic, in which the witnesses and testator can see and hear the acts of each other in real time. The bill provides questions that a testator must provide verbal answers to meet the requirements of electronic presence prior to signing a will or codicil. Under current law, when a will has been certified and admitted to probate, the clerk must provide a certified copy of the will to the executor. The bill provides that the clerk must provide a certified copy of the will only upon the executor’s request.

Senate subcommittee · named January 12, 2022

• Sen. Julian B. Garrett (R)
• Sen. Nate Boulton (D)
• Sen. Craig Johnson (R) · craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Bankers Association; Iowa State Bar Association; Iowa Trust Association; The Iowa Academy of Trust and Estate Counsel

In plain words

1. January 12, 2022Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee · as SSB 3014
2. January 12, 2022Senate subcommittee named: Garrett, Boulton and Johnson · as SSB 3014
3. February 4, 2022Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes · as SSB 3014
4. February 8, 2022Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2240 · as SSB 3014
5. February 9, 2022Filed in the Senate
6. February 9, 2022Approved by the Senate committee
7. April 19, 2022Withdrawn