An Act to expand the eligibility for a small estate probate.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:
Section 1. That § 29A-3-1201 be AMENDED:
29A-3-1201. (a) Thirty days after the death of a decedent, any person indebted to the decedent or having possession of tangible personal property or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action belonging to the decedent shall make payment of the indebtedness or deliver the tangible personal property or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action to a person claiming to be the successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by or on behalf of the successor stating that:
(1) The value of the entire
estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances, does not
exceed
$50,000
$100,000;
(2) Thirty days have elapsed since the death of the decedent;
(3) No application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction;
(4) The decedent has not incurred any indebtedness to the Department of Social Services for medical assistance for nursing home or other medical institutional care; and
(5) The claiming successor is entitled to payment or delivery of the property.
(b) A transfer agent of any security shall change the registered ownership on the books of a corporation from the decedent to the successor or successors upon the presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (a).
Signed February 17, 2022
Catchlines are not law. (§ 2-16-13.1) Underscores indicate new language.
Overstrikes
indicate deleted language.