Committee approves electronic‑signature changes for trusts, powers of attorney

Representative Jason Abbott presented HB 181, a measure adopting Uniform Law Commission guidance to permit electronic signatures and remote notarization for non‑testamentary estate‑planning documents — including powers of attorney, medical directives and certificates of trust. Abbott said the change modernizes the law to increase convenience, especially for rural residents and working families, and cited the state’s earlier electronic wills act.

Committee members raised concerns about counterfeit documents and authentication; Abbott and supporters said the bill’s standards are less stringent than for electronic wills but that many commercial e‑signature services include robust security and that oral testimony and other authentication mechanisms remain available. Danny Fine, an estate‑planning attorney who runs a largely virtual practice, said the move would lower costs and expand access for clients who currently rely on mobile notaries.

The committee adopted the substitute where appropriate and favorably recommended HB 181 to the House floor by unanimous voice vote.