<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>for collection of certain property by affidavit; modifying provisions governing <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>final disposition of remains; correcting an erroneous reference and making other <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>corrections and clarifications;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>149A.80, subdivisions 1, 2; 524.1-304; 524.3-413; 524.3-1201; 524.3-1203, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>subdivision 5.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.1-304, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var><b>524.1-304 PRACTICE IN COURT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>(a) Unless inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or chapter 525, pleadings, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>practice, procedure and forms in all probate proceedings shall be governed insofar as <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>practicable by Rules of Civil Procedure provided for in section 
         <statute_ref>487.23</statute_ref> and adopted <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>pursuant thereto. <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), and in addition to its general powers, the court <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>shall have power to correct, modify, vacate, or amend its records, orders, and decrees:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>(1) at any time, for the correction of clerical error or pursuant to the provisions of <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>section 524.3-413;<br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>(2) within the time for taking an appeal, for the correction of judicial error;<br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>(3) within two years after petitioner's discovery thereof, for fraud, whether intrinsic <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>or extrinsic, or misrepresentation unless petitioner be a party to such fraud; or<br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>(4) within two years after the date of filing of any record, order, or decree, for <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>excusable neglect, inadvertence, or mistake.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>In any case, the petitioner must proceed with due diligence and may be barred by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>laches or the court may deny relief where it appears that the granting thereof would be <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>inequitable in view of all the facts and circumstances appearing.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.3-413, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var><b>524.3-413 FORMAL TESTACY PROCEEDINGS; VACATION OF ORDER </b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var><b>FOR OTHER CAUSE AND MODIFICATION OF ORDERS, JUDGMENTS, AND </b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var><b>DECREES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>For good cause shown, an order, judgment or decree in a formal proceeding may <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>be modified or vacated within the time limits and upon the grounds stated in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>525.02
</statute_ref> 524.1-304, except that the same may be modified to include omitted property or to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>correct a description at any time, as hereinafter provided.  <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>Whenever real or personal property or any interest therein has been omitted from <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>probate proceedings, from a deed or transfer of distribution, a decree of distribution, or an <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>order for distribution, or has been incorrectly described therein, any person interested in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>the estate or claiming an interest in such property may petition the probate court of the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>county in which such proceedings were had for a decree to determine its descent and to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>assign it to the persons entitled thereto, or to amend the deed or transfer of distribution, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>decree of distribution, or order of distribution to include such omitted property, or to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>correct the description, with or without notice. No order or decree of omitted property <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>shall be entered under this section until any inheritance taxes due are paid or the court <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>finds there are no taxes due.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.3-1201, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var><b>524.3-1201 COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY BY AFFIDAVIT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(a) Thirty days after the death of a decedent, (i) any person indebted to the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>decedent, (ii) any person having possession of tangible personal property or an instrument <br/>
<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in action belonging to the decedent, or (iii) <br/>
<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>any safe deposit company, as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>55.01</statute_ref>, controlling the right of access to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>decedent's safe deposit box shall make payment of the indebtedness or deliver the tangible <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>personal property or an instrument evidencing a debt, obligation, stock, or chose in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>action or deliver the entire contents of the safe deposit box to a person claiming to be the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>successor of the decedent, or a state or county agency with a claim authorized by section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>256B.15
         </statute_ref>, upon being presented a certified death record of the decedent and an affidavit, in <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>duplicate, made by or on behalf of the successor stating that:  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(1) the value of the entire probate estate, determined as of the date of death, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>wherever located, including specifically any contents of a safe deposit box, less liens and <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>encumbrances, does not exceed $20,000 $50,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>(2) 30 days have elapsed since the death of the decedent or, in the event the property <br/>
<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>to be delivered is the contents of a safe deposit box, 30 days have elapsed since the filing <br/>
<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>of an inventory of the contents of the box pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>55.10, paragraph (h)</statute_ref>;  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>(3) no application or petition for the appointment of a personal representative is <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction;<br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>(4) if presented, by a state or county agency with a claim authorized by section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>256B.15
         </statute_ref>, to a financial institution with a multiple-party account in which the decedent <br/>
<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>had an interest at the time of death, the amount of the affiant's claim and a good faith <br/>
<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>estimate of the extent to which the decedent was the source of funds or beneficial owner <br/>
<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>of the account; and  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>(5) the claiming successor is entitled to payment or delivery of the property.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>(b) A transfer agent of any security shall change the registered ownership on <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>the books of a corporation from the decedent to the successor or successors upon the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (a).<br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>(c) The claiming successor or state or county agency shall disburse the proceeds <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>collected under this section to any person with a superior claim under section 
         <statute_ref>524.2-403</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>or 
         <statute_ref>524.3-805</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>(d) A motor vehicle registrar shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>successor upon the presentation of an affidavit as provided in subsection (a).<br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>(e) The person controlling access to decedent's safe deposit box need not open the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>box or deliver the contents of the box if:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>(1) the person has received notice of a written or oral objection from any person or <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>has reason to believe that there would be an objection; or<br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>(2) the lessee's key or combination is not available.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 524.3-1203, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Exhaustion of estate.</b> In any summary, special, or other administration <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>in which it appears that the estate will not be exhausted in payment of the priority items <br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>enumerated in subdivisions 1 to 4, the estate may nevertheless be summarily closed <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>without further notice, and the property assigned to the proper persons, if the gross probate <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>estate, exclusive of any exempt homestead as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>524.2-402</statute_ref>, and any <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>exempt property as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>524.2-403</statute_ref>, does not exceed the value of $100,000. <br/>
<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>If the closing and distribution of assets is made pursuant to the terms of a will, no decree <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>shall issue until a hearing has been held for formal probate of the will as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>524.3-401</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>524.3-413</statute_ref>.  <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>No summary closing of an estate shall be made to any distributee under this <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>subdivision, unless a showing is made by the personal representative or the petitioner, that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>all property selected by and allowances to the spouse and children as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>524.2-403
         </statute_ref> and the expenses and claims provided in section 
         <statute_ref>524.3-805</statute_ref> have been paid, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>and provided, further, that a bond shall be filed by the personal representative or the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>petitioner, conditioned upon the fact that all such obligations have been paid and that all <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>the facts shown on the petition are true, with sufficient surety approved by the court in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>an amount as may be fixed by the court to cover potential improper distributions. If a <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>personal representative is appointed, the representative's bond shall be sufficient for such <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>purpose unless an additional bond is ordered, and the sureties on the bond shall have the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>same obligations and liabilities as provided for sureties on a distribution bond.  <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>In the event that an improper distribution or disbursement is made in a summary <br/>
<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>closing, in that not all of said obligations have been paid or that other facts as shown by <br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>the personal representative or the petitioner, are not true, resulting in damage to any <br/>
<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>party, the court may vacate its summary decree or closing order, and the petitioner or <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>the personal representative, together with the surety, shall be liable for damages to any <br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>party determined to be injured thereby as herein provided. The personal representative, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>petitioner, or the surety, may seek reimbursement for damages so paid or incurred from <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>any distributee or recipient of assets under summary decree or order, who shall be required <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>to make a contribution to cover such damages upon a pro rata basis or as may be equitable <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>to the extent of assets so received. The court is hereby granted complete and plenary <br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>jurisdiction of any and all such proceedings and may enter such orders and judgments as <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>may be required to effectuate the purposes of this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>Any judgment rendered for damages or the recovery of assets in such proceedings <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>shall be upon petition and only after hearing held thereon on 14 days' notice of hearing and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>a copy of petition served personally upon the personal representative and the surety and <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>upon any distributee or recipient of assets where applicable. Any action for the recovery <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>of money or damages under this subdivision is subject to the time and other limitations <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>imposed by section 
         <statute_ref>525.02</statute_ref> 524.1-304.  <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 149A.80, subdivision 1, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Advance directives and will of decedent.</b> A person may direct <br/>
<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>the preparation for, type, or place of that person's final disposition, as well as the type <br/>
<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>of conveyance to be used to transport the body to the place of final disposition, either <br/>
<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>by oral or written instructions. Arrangements made in advance of need with a funeral <br/>
<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>establishment must be in writing and dated, signed, and notarized witnessed. The person <br/>
<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>or persons otherwise entitled to control the final disposition under this chapter shall <br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>faithfully carry out the reasonable and otherwise lawful directions of the decedent to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>the extent that the decedent has provided resources for the purpose of carrying out the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>directions. If the instructions are contained in a will, they shall be immediately carried <br/>
<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>out, regardless of the validity of the will in other respects or of the fact that the will may <br/>
<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>not be offered for or admitted to probate until a later date, subject to other provisions of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>this chapter or any other law of this state. This subdivision shall be administered and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>construed so that the reasonable and lawful instructions of the decedent or the person <br/>
<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>entitled to control the final disposition shall be faithfully and promptly performed. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 149A.80, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Determination of right to control and duty of disposition.</b> The right to <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>control the disposition of the remains of a deceased person, including the location and <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>conditions of final disposition, unless other directions have been given by the decedent <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>pursuant to subdivision 1, vests in, and the duty of final disposition of the body devolves <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>upon, the following in the order of priority listed:<br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>    (1) the person or persons appointed in a dated written instrument signed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>decedent. Written instrument includes, but is not limited to, a health care directive <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>executed under chapter 145C. If there is a dispute involving more than one written <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>instrument, a written instrument that is witnessed or notarized prevails over a written <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>instrument that is not witnessed or notarized. Written instrument does not include a <br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>durable or nondurable power of attorney which terminates on the death of the principal <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>523.08</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>523.09</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>    (2) the spouse of the decedent;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>    (3) the adult child or the majority of the adult children of the decedent, provided <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>that, in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary, a funeral director or mortician <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>may rely on instructions given by the child or children who represent that they are the sole <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>surviving child, or that they constitute a majority of the surviving children;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>    (4) the surviving parent or parents of the decedent, each having equal authority;<br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>    (5) the adult sibling or the majority of the adult siblings of the decedent, provided <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>that, in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary, a funeral director or mortician <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>may rely on instructions given by the sibling or siblings who represent that they are the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>sole surviving sibling, or that they constitute a majority of the surviving siblings;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>    (6) the adult grandchild or the majority of the adult grandchildren of the decedent, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>provided that, in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary, a funeral director or <br/>
<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>mortician may rely on instructions given by a grandchild or grandchildren who represent <br/>
<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>that they are the only grandchild or grandchildren reasonably available to control final <br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>disposition of the decedent's remains or represent a majority of grandchildren reasonably <br/>
<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>available to control final disposition of the decedent's remains;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>(7) the grandparent or the grandparents of the decedent, each having equal authority;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>(8) the adult nieces and nephews of the decedent, or a majority of them, provided <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>that, in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary, a funeral director or mortician <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>may rely on instructions given by a niece, nephew, or nieces or nephews who represent <br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>that they are the only niece, nephew, or nieces or nephews reasonably available to control <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>final disposition of the decedent's remains or represent a majority of nieces and nephews <br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>reasonably available to control final disposition of the decedent's remains;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>(9) the person or persons who were acting as the guardians of the person of the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>decedent with authority to make health care decisions for the decedent at the time of death;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>(10) an adult who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent;<br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>(11) the person or persons respectively in the next degree of kinship in the order <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>named by law to inherit the estate of the decedent; and<br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>    (7) (12) the appropriate public or court authority, as required by law.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>    For purposes of this subdivision, the appropriate public or court authority includes <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>the county board of the county in which the death occurred if the person dies without <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>apparent financial means to provide for final disposition or the district court in the county <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>in which the death occurred.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>    Sec. 3. <b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final enactment.<br/>