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New YorkS 74162025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Relates to enacting provisions for the execution of electronic wills

Sponsored By: Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Democratic)

Became Law

JUDICIARY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

File e-wills within 30 days

You must e-file your electronic will with the New York court system within 30 days after it is executed. You or someone you authorize can file it. The court keeps it in custody until it is removed or revoked under law. If you miss the 30-day deadline, the unfiled e-will is invalid.

Electronic wills now count in New York

The law treats an electronic will as a will for all New York law. Existing wills rules and equity apply unless this act changes them. The legal definition of “will” now includes electronic wills. The law updates cross-references so e-wills use their own execution rules. Wills made under these e-will rules are outside the general state technology law.

How to sign and prove e-wills

To sign an e-will, the document must be readable text and your signature must be at the end. You may direct another person to sign for you while you are physically present. Two witnesses, each domiciled in a state, must sign in your physical or electronic presence within 30 days after they witness your signing or acknowledgment. Every e-will must include a bold, double-spaced, 12-point notice about witness rules, the 30-day filing rule, and how revocation works. You can make the will self-proving when you sign, before an officer who adds a sealed certificate.

Out-of-state and flawed e-wills can count

An e-will you made outside New York can still be valid here. It must follow the law where you signed, or where you lived then or at death. A court can also use outside evidence to show you meant a record to be your will.

When the e-will rules start

The law takes effect 545 days after it became law. Agencies can make or change rules now so they are ready by that date.

How to revoke an electronic will

An electronic will can revoke an earlier will. It is revoked by a later will, by removing it from court custody with proof by two witnesses, or by a signed writing that follows the same formalities. A court-ordered removal while you are alive does not revoke it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brad Hoylman-Sigal

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Gounardes

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Skoufis

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 55 • No: 24

Senate vote • 6/5/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 21

committee vote • 4/29/2025

Judiciary Committee Vote

Yes: 16 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. APPROVAL MEMO.24

    12/12/2025Senate

  2. SIGNED CHAP.637

    12/12/2025Senate

  3. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    12/8/2025Senate

  4. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/17/2025House

  5. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/17/2025House

  6. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.456

    6/6/2025House

  7. SUBSTITUTED FOR A7856A

    6/6/2025House

  8. REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

    6/5/2025House

  9. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/5/2025Senate

  10. PASSED SENATE

    6/5/2025Senate

  11. AMENDED ON THIRD READING 7416A

    5/13/2025Senate

  12. ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

    5/1/2025Senate

  13. 2ND REPORT CAL.

    4/30/2025Senate

  14. 1ST REPORT CAL.776

    4/29/2025Senate

  15. REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

    4/15/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment A

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Original

    4/15/2025

    PDF

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