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Committee considers broad probate reforms to curb 'probates for profit' schemes
Summary
Representative Madison Richards and Attorney General's Office staff told the committee substitute House Bill 2,445 would close loopholes used by third‑party actors to open high volumes of probate cases, extend the petition window from 40 to 60 days, tighten qualifications for personal representatives, and increase reporting and oversight.
Substitute House Bill 2,445 drew extended testimony Feb. 19 as lawmakers considered measures aimed at preventing predatory third‑party probate administration.
Staff counsel Tim Ford outlined the legislation: increasing the 40‑day window for filing probate petitions to 60 days, adding disqualification criteria for prospective personal representatives (including recent revocation of letters, findings of dishonesty or theft, and acting in concert to transfer probate assets), narrowing venue rules to prioritize the decedent's county of residence or where assets are located, requiring more detailed oath and contact‑attempt…
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