SB 1138 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, adopting Uniform Acts: in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in wills, further providing for validity of execution and for revocation of a will; providing for electronic wills; in dispositions independent of letters, family exemption, probate of wills and grant of letters, further providing for self-proved wills; providing for uniform electronic estate planning documents; and making conforming changes.

This bill modernizes Pennsylvania's estate laws to allow electronic wills. It defines "will" to include digital documents and creates new rules for creating, signing, and revoking wills online. Key provisions require witnesses to observe the testator via video call (virtual "presence") and follow specific digital execution steps, while still permitting traditional paper wills. The law directly affects Pennsylvanians creating estate plans, making it easier to use digital tools without losing legal validity.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2026 Last action Jan 9, 2026