Bills › 89th General Assembly
Relating to wills, including witness requirements for the execution of a will and procedure for wills to be admitted into probate
Sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Topics:Courts & civil law
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2022
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 12, 2022
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 8, 2022
- Done: Passes the SenateApril 19, 202248–0
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 21, 202294–0
- Stopped: To the GovernorDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2022 session adjourned on May 24, 2022, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary People making a will can now use video calls to have witnesses watch them sign it, as long as everyone can see and hear each other in real time. To make this work, the person making the will must answer specific questions out loud before signing. Additionally, court clerks will only give a certified copy of a will to an executor if that person asks for it.1
Read the official explanation
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.
Changed since by amendments S-5133, S-5132; see Amendments.
Senate subcommittee
Named January 12, 2022 (as SSB 3014). On February 4, 2022 it recommended amendment and passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
5 for · 0 against · 9 undecided · Who →
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89th General Assembly