Minnesota recognizes electronic estate planning records and signatures

Electronic nontestamentary estate planning documents and signatures would receive legal effect when the applicable requirements are met. This covers electronic records other than wills and includes trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, guardian nominations, and similar property or health care records; deeds and vehicle, watercraft, and aircraft titles are excluded. A document that expressly bars electronic records or signatures is outside these rules. An electronic record or signature that is already valid under other listed Minnesota laws remains valid. People would not be required to use electronic documents or signatures. The bill metadata reports an effective date of August 1, 2026, but the supplied text does not state a separate effective-date rule.

Notaries and witnesses may complete required signing steps electronically, including through simultaneous electronic presence. The rule applies when another Minnesota law requires notarization, acknowledgment, verification, an oath, a witness, or an attestation for a covered electronic estate planning document. A notary or other authorized person must attach or associate an electronic signature and include the information required by the other law. The notarization must follow the law of the state where signing occurs. The metadata reports an effective date of August 1, 2026; the supplied provisions do not state another start or end date.

People may retain electronic records, use certified paper copies, and offer electronic documents or signatures as evidence. A retained electronic record must accurately show the final document and remain accessible; a certified paper copy must be affirmed as complete and accurate under penalty of perjury. Electronic retention generally satisfies requirements to keep, send, copy, file, or present an original, subject to other legal requirements. Government agencies may impose additional record-retention rules. Electronic evidence may not be rejected solely because it is electronic. The metadata reports an effective date of August 1, 2026; the supplied provisions do not state another start or end date.