Senator Bonnie Westlin Ushers Bill to Simplify Estate Planning Through Passage in the Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On March 22, Chief author Senator Bonnie Westlin (DFL-Plymouth) presented HF 244, the Uniform Electronic Wills Act (SF 1030), which passed unanimously 67-0. This is the first bill that freshman Senator Westlin has passed on the floor.

“The Uniform Electronic Wills Act will streamline the estate planning process by making it easier for people to prepare and execute their wills,” said Senator Westlin. “I’m proud to be chief author of this bill and to see it pass with full bipartisan support.”

HF 244 allows for the electronic witnessing and notarizing of wills. Electronic witnessing was temporarily allowed during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow for social distancing but has since expired. Similar laws have been enacted in Colorado, North Dakota, Washington, and Utah. 

HF 244 will now move to Governor Tim Walz for signature into law.

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Senator Bonnie Westlin

Senate District 42

Senator Bonnie Westlin represents Senate District 42 which includes Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, and Plymouth. She is vice chair of the Elections Committee and serves on the Education Finance Committee and the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Learn more about Sen. Westlin.