Banking; accounts of deceased spouse; required documentation; record keeping; effective date.

HB 1517 allows banks in Oklahoma to permit a surviving spouse to take control of a deceased spouse's bank accounts (including checking and savings) at the bank's discretion. To access these accounts, the surviving spouse must provide a death certificate listing their name and two forms of government-issued ID (one with a photo, like a driver's license or passport), matching the name on the certificate. Banks must keep digital or photo copies of these documents for 10 years. The bill directly affects surviving spouses seeking access to a deceased spouse's accounts and sets clear documentation requirements for banks. It takes effect November 1, 2025.