Legal duty; action for damages for legal malpractice concerning estate planning; third parties to an attorney-client contract. Provides that an attorney does not owe a legal duty to a person other than the client for the purpose of the client's estate planning, including the provision of legal advice or the preparation of legal documents, unless the client and attorney enter into a signed, written agreement expressly allowing for such. The bill provides that its provisions are declarative of existing law. The bill also repeals the provisions under current law that specify the statute of limitations for legal malpractice actions relating to contracts for legal services concerning estate planning and the tolling of such statute of limitations. This bill is a recommendation of the Boyd-Graves Conference and is identical to HB 2174.
Sponsored bills
School-connected student overdoses; policies relating to parental notification. Requires public school principals and heads of private schools in the Commonwealth to report certain information to the parents of enrolled students within 24 hours of a confirmed or suspected school-connected student overdose, as defined in the bill. This bill is identical to HB 2774.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution commending Dianne Piotrowski for her contributions. It has no legal effect or policy changes, as it is purely symbolic recognition. The resolution passed both chambers by voice vote and was signed into law without any substantive provisions.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Matthew Robert Chiaverotti. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation, citizens, or government operations. The resolution formally celebrates his life and legacy through a symbolic gesture by the legislature. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Civil actions brought by warrant or motion for judgment. Extends the date range during which a person against whom a civil claim is asserted is required to appear in court to answer the complaint from not more than 60 to not more than 90 days from the date the warrant is served on such person. The bill also extends the date range on which a plaintiff bringing an action by motion for judgment is required to make such motion from not more than 60 to not more than 90 days from the date the motion is served.
Medical malpractice; certification of expert witness; written opinion. Provides that at the time of service of process of every complaint, counter claim, third party claim, or warrant in debt in a medical malpractice action or every complaint, counter claim, or third party claim in an action for wrongful death against a health care provider, the plaintiff shall be deemed to have obtained a written opinion signed by an expert witness stating that the defendant in the action deviated from the applicable standard of care and the deviation was a proximate cause of the injuries claimed. The bill provides that a plaintiff may have separate certifications for standard of care and causation. The bill also requires a plaintiff to certify to the defendant upon whom service of process has been requested to certify within 21 days of the defendant's answer being filed that such plaintiff obtained the necessary expert opinion at the time service was requested or affirming that such plaintiff did not need to obtain a certifying expert witness opinion in accordance with relevant law.
Maddy summaryHJ 564 is a non-binding resolution honoring the late Honorable Henry Levander Marsh, III, recognizing his contributions to the state. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, as it is purely commemorative. The resolution passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and was formally adopted by the legislature. This type of resolution serves to acknowledge an individual's legacy without implementing policy changes.
Maddy summaryHJ 584 is a commemorative resolution honoring Dr. Golden Bethune-Hill, recognizing her contributions to the community. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. The resolution was passed unanimously by the Senate on February 12, 2025, and formally adopted by the legislature. As a ceremonial measure, it has no substantive policy impact.
Department of Motor Vehicles; proof of financial responsibility in the future. Clarifies when a vehicle owner is required to furnish proof of financial responsibility or proof of financial responsibility in the future. The bill specifies the forms required when providing proof of financial responsibility in the future. This bill is identical to HB 2205.
Uniform Trust Code; qualified trustee; definition. Expands the definitions of "independent qualified trustee" and "qualified trustee" to authorize additional entities to serve as an independent qualified trustee or a qualified trustee of a qualified self-settled spendthrift trust. This bill is identical to HB 1605.