Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05215 Compare Versions

OldNewDifferences
1-General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5215
2-February Session, 2014 *_____HB05215JUD___040214____*
1+General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5215
2+February Session, 2014 LCO No. 1107
3+ *01107_______JUD*
4+Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY
5+Introduced by:
6+(JUD)
37
48 General Assembly
59
6-Substitute Bill No. 5215
10+Raised Bill No. 5215
711
812 February Session, 2014
913
10-*_____HB05215JUD___040214____*
14+LCO No. 1107
15+
16+*01107_______JUD*
17+
18+Referred to Committee on JUDICIARY
19+
20+Introduced by:
21+
22+(JUD)
1123
1224 AN ACT CONCERNING ADOPTION OF THE CONNECTICUT UNIFORM POWER OF ATTORNEY ACT.
1325
1426 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
1527
16-Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act may be cited as the "Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act."
28+Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) This act may be cited as the "Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act."
1729
1830 Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) As used in sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act:
1931
2032 (1) "Agent" means a person granted authority to act for a principal under a power of attorney, whether denominated an agent, attorney in fact, or otherwise. Agent includes an original agent, coagent, successor agent and a person to which an agent's authority is delegated.
2133
2234 (2) "Durable" means, with respect to a power of attorney, not terminated by the principal's incapacity.
2335
2436 (3) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.
2537
2638 (4) "Good faith" means honesty in fact.
2739
2840 (5) "Incapacity" means inability of an individual, even with appropriate assistance, to perform the functions inherent in managing his or her affairs because the individual:
2941
3042 (A) Has a mental, emotional or physical condition that results in the individual being unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions; or
3143
3244 (B) Is:
3345
3446 (i) missing;
3547
3648 (ii) detained, including incarcerated in a penal system; or
3749
3850 (iii) outside the United States and unable to return.
3951
4052 (6) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity.
4153
4254 (7) "Power of attorney" means a writing or other record that grants authority to an agent to act in the place of the principal, whether or not the term power of attorney is used.
4355
4456 (8) "Presently exercisable general power of appointment" means, with respect to property or a property interest subject to a power of appointment, power exercisable at the time in question to vest absolute ownership in the principal individually, the principal's estate, the principal's creditors or the creditors of the principal's estate. The term includes a power of appointment not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard, or the passage of a specified period only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard, or the passage of the specified period. The term does not include a power exercisable in a fiduciary capacity or only by will.
4557
4658 (9) "Principal" means an individual who grants authority to an agent in a power of attorney.
4759
4860 (10) "Property" means anything that may be the subject of ownership, whether real or personal, or legal or equitable, or any interest or right therein.
4961
5062 (11) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
5163
5264 (12) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record to:
5365
5466 (A) Execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
5567
5668 (B) Attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic sound, symbol or process.
5769
5870 (13) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
5971
6072 (14) "Stocks and bonds" means stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and all other types of securities and financial instruments, whether held directly, indirectly or in any other manner. Stocks and bonds does not include commodity futures contracts and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes.
6173
6274 Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) The provisions of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act apply to all powers of attorney except:
6375
6476 (1) A power to the extent it is coupled with an interest in the subject of the power, including a power given to or for the benefit of a creditor in connection with a credit transaction;
6577
6678 (2) A power to make health care decisions;
6779
6880 (3) A proxy or other delegation to exercise voting rights or management rights with respect to an entity; and
6981
7082 (4) A power created on a form prescribed by a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality for a governmental purpose.
7183
7284 Sec. 4. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) A power of attorney created under sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal.
7385
7486 Sec. 5. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) A power of attorney must be dated and signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious presence by another individual directed by the principal to sign the principal's name on the power of attorney and witnessed by two witnesses. A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments.
7587
7688 Sec. 6. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) A power of attorney executed in this state on or after October 1, 2014, is valid if its execution complies with section 5 of this act.
7789
7890 (b) A power of attorney executed in this state before October 1, 2014, is valid if its execution complied with the law of this state as it existed at the time of execution.
7991
8092 (c) A power of attorney executed other than in this state is valid in this state if, when the power of attorney was executed, the execution complied with:
8193
8294 (1) The law of the jurisdiction that determines the meaning and effect of the power of attorney pursuant to section 7 of this act; or
8395
8496 (2) The requirements for a military power of attorney pursuant to 10 USC 1044b, as amended from time to time.
8597
8698 (d) Except as otherwise provided by statute, other than sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act, or unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a photocopy or electronically transmitted copy of an original power of attorney has the same effect as the original.
8799
88100 Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is determined by the law of the jurisdiction indicated in the power of attorney and, in the absence of an indication of jurisdiction, by the law of the jurisdiction in which the power of attorney was executed.
89101
90102 Sec. 8. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) In a power of attorney, a principal may nominate a conservator of the principal's estate or conservator of the principal's person for consideration by the court if protective proceedings for the principal's estate or person are begun after the principal executes the power of attorney. The court shall make its appointment in accordance with the principal's most recent nomination unless the court finds that the appointee, designee or nominee is unwilling or unable to serve or there is substantial evidence to disqualify such person.
91103
92104 (b) If, after a principal executes a power of attorney, a court appoints a conservator of the principal's estate or other fiduciary charged with the management of some or all of the principal's property, the agent is accountable to the fiduciary as well as to the principal. The power of attorney is not terminated and the agent's authority continues unless limited, suspended or terminated by the court.
93105
94106 Sec. 9. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) A power of attorney is effective when executed unless the principal provides in the power of attorney that it becomes effective at a future date or upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency.
95107
96108 (b) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the occurrence of a future event or contingency, the principal, in the power of attorney, may authorize one or more persons to determine in a writing or other record that the event or contingency has occurred.
97109
98110 (c) If a power of attorney becomes effective upon the principal's incapacity and the principal has not authorized a person to determine whether the principal is incapacitated, or the person authorized is unable or unwilling to make the determination, the power of attorney becomes effective upon a determination in a writing or other record by:
99111
100112 (1) A physician that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (5) of section 2 of this act; or
101113
102114 (2) An attorney at law, a judge or an appropriate governmental official that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (5) of section 2 of this act.
103115
104116 (d) A person authorized by the principal in the power of attorney to determine that the principal is incapacitated may act as the principal's personal representative pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Sections 1171 to 1179, inclusive, of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1320d, as amended from time to time, and applicable federal regulations, to obtain access to the principal's health care information and communicate with the principal's health care provider.
105117
106118 (e) If the principal, in the power of attorney, authorizes one or more persons to determine in a written affidavit that the event or contingency has occurred, as provided in subsection (b) of this section, then the written affidavit may be in substantially the following form:
107119
108120 AFFIDAVIT THAT POWER OF ATTORNEY IS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT
109121
110122 STATE OF )
111123
112124 ) SS:
113125
114126 COUNTY OF )
115127
116128 I, .... of ...., being duly sworn, depose and say:
117129
118130 THAT ...., of ...., as principal, did on ...., 20.., appoint me in a power of attorney dated ...., 20.., to execute an affidavit that a specified contingency had occurred;
119131
120132 THAT specified contingency was: ....
121133
122134 THAT specified contingency has occurred.
123135
124136 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal.
125137
126138 .... L.S.
127139
128140 ....
129141
130142 Witness
131143
132144 ....
133145
134146 Witness
135147
136148 Subscribed and sworn to before me this .... day of ...., 20...
137149
138150 ....
139151
140152 Commissioner of the Superior Court
141153
142154 Notary Public
143155
144156 My commission expires: ....
145157
146158 Sec. 10. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) A power of attorney terminates when:
147159
148160 (1) The principal dies;
149161
150162 (2) The principal becomes incapacitated, if the power of attorney is not durable;
151163
152164 (3) The principal revokes the power of attorney;
153165
154166 (4) The power of attorney provides that it terminates;
155167
156168 (5) The purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished;
157169
158170 (6) The principal revokes the agent's authority or the agent dies, becomes incapacitated, or resigns and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney; or
159171
160172 (7) the power of attorney is terminated by a court pursuant to subsection (b) of section 8 of this act.
161173
162174 (b) An agent's authority terminates when:
163175
164176 (1) The principal revokes the authority;
165177
166178 (2) A court terminates the agent's authority pursuant to subsection (b) of section 8 of this act;
167179
168180 (3) The agent dies or resigns;
169181
170182 (4) The agent becomes incapacitated. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent shall be determined to be incapable of acting as an agent upon a determination in a writing or other record that the agent is incapacitated:
171183
172184 (A) Within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (5) of section 2 of this act, by:
173185
174186 (i) A judge in a court proceeding;
175187
176188 (ii) A physician; or
177189
178190 (iii) A successor agent, designated in accordance with section 11 of this act, if a written opinion of a physician cannot be obtained either due to the refusal of an agent to be examined by a physician or due to an agent's failure to execute an authorization to release medical information; or
179191
180192 (B) Within the meaning set forth in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (5) of section 2 of this act, by an attorney at law, a judge or an appropriate governmental official.
181193
182194 (5) An action is filed for the dissolution or annulment of the agent's marriage to the principal or their legal separation, unless the power of attorney otherwise provides; or
183195
184196 (6) The power of attorney terminates.
185197
186198 (c) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent's authority is exercisable until the authority terminates under subsection (b) of this section, notwithstanding a lapse of time since the execution of the power of attorney.
187199
188200 (d) Termination of an agent's authority or of a power of attorney is not effective as to the agent or another person that, without actual knowledge of the termination, acts in good faith under the power of attorney. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest.
189201
190202 (e) Incapacity of the principal of a power of attorney that is not durable does not revoke or terminate the power of attorney as to an agent or other person that, without actual knowledge of the incapacity, acts in good faith under the power of attorney. An act so performed, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest.
191203
192204 (f) The execution of a power of attorney does not revoke a power of attorney previously executed by the principal unless the subsequent power of attorney provides that the previous power of attorney is revoked or that all other powers of attorney are revoked.
193205
194206 Sec. 11. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) A principal may designate two or more persons to act as coagents. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, each coagent may exercise its authority independently.
195207
196208 (b) A principal may designate one or more successor agents to act if an agent resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, is not qualified to serve or declines to serve. A principal may grant authority to designate one or more successor agents to an agent or other person designated by name, office or function. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a successor agent:
197209
198210 (1) Has the same authority as that granted to the original agent; and
199211
200212 (2) May not act until all predecessor agents have resigned, died, become incapacitated, are no longer qualified to serve or have declined to serve.
201213
202214 (c) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney and subsection (d) of this section, an agent that does not participate in or conceal a breach of fiduciary duty committed by another agent, including a predecessor agent, is not liable for the actions of the other agent.
203215
204216 (d) An agent that has actual knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of fiduciary duty by another agent shall notify the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated, take any action reasonably appropriate in the circumstances to safeguard the principal's best interest. An agent that fails to notify the principal or take action as required by this subsection is liable for the reasonably foreseeable damages that could have been avoided if the agent had notified the principal or taken such action.
205217
206218 Sec. 12. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent is entitled to reimbursement of expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the principal and to compensation that is reasonable under the circumstances.
207219
208220 Sec. 13. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance.
209221
210222 Sec. 14. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) Notwithstanding provisions in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
211223
212224 (1) Act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and, otherwise, in the principal's best interest;
213225
214226 (2) Act in good faith; and
215227
216228 (3) Act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney.
217229
218230 (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that has accepted appointment shall:
219231
220232 (1) Act loyally for the principal's benefit;
221233
222234 (2) Act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agent's ability to act impartially in the principal's best interest;
223235
224236 (3) Act with the care, competence and diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar circumstances;
225237
226238 (4) Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements and transactions made on behalf of the principal;
227239
228240 (5) Cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and, otherwise, act in the principal's best interest; and
229241
230242 (6) Attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan, to the extent actually known by the agent, if preserving the plan is consistent with the principal's best interest based on all relevant factors, including:
231243
232244 (A) The value and nature of the principal's property;
233245
234246 (B) The principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;
235247
236248 (C) Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation skipping transfer and gift taxes; and
237249
238250 (D) Eligibility for a benefit, a program or assistance under a federal or state statute or regulation.
239251
240252 (c) An agent that acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principal's estate plan for failure to preserve the plan.
241253
242254 (d) An agent that acts with care, competence and diligence for the best interest of the principal is not liable solely because the agent also benefits from the act or has an individual or conflicting interest in relation to the property or affairs of the principal.
243255
244256 (e) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agent's representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence and diligence under the circumstances.
245257
246258 (f) Absent a breach of duty to the principal, an agent is not liable if the value of the principal's property declines.
247259
248260 (g) An agent that exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or that engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment or default of that person if the agent exercises care, competence and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person.
249261
250262 (h) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent is not required to disclose receipts, disbursements or transactions conducted on behalf of the principal unless ordered by a court or requested by the principal, a guardian, a conservator, another fiduciary acting for the principal, a governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal or, upon the death of the principal, by the personal representative or successor in interest of the principal's estate. If so requested, the agent shall comply with the request not later than thirty days after the date of such request or provide a writing or other record substantiating why additional time is needed, in which case, the agent shall comply with the request not later than thirty days after the date of providing such writing or record.
251263
252264 Sec. 15. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) A provision in a power of attorney relieving an agent of liability for breach of duty is binding on the principal and the principal's successors in interest except to the extent the provision:
253265
254266 (1) Relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed dishonestly, with an improper motive or with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the best interest of the principal; or
255267
256268 (2) Was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal.
257269
258270 Sec. 16. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) The following persons may petition a court in accordance with subsection (d) of section 45a-175 of the general statutes, as amended by this act, to construe a power of attorney or review the agent's conduct, and grant appropriate relief:
259271
260272 (1) The principal or the agent;
261273
262274 (2) A guardian, conservator or other fiduciary acting for the principal;
263275
264276 (3) A person authorized to make health care decisions for the principal;
265277
266278 (4) The principal's spouse, parent or descendant;
267279
268280 (5) An individual who would qualify as a presumptive heir of the principal;
269281
270-(6) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit or contractual right on the principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal that has a financial interest in the principal's estate;
282+(6) A person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal that has a financial interest in the principal's estate;
271283
272284 (7) A governmental agency having regulatory authority to protect the welfare of the principal;
273285
274286 (8) The principal's caregiver or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; and
275287
276288 (9) A person asked to accept the power of attorney.
277289
278290 (b) Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under this section, unless the court finds that the principal is incapacitated within the meaning set forth in subdivision (5) of section 2 of this act.
279291
280-Sec. 17. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) An agent that violates sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act is liable to the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the amount required to:
292+Sec. 17. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) An agent that violates this act is liable to the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the amount required to:
281293
282294 (1) Restore the value of the principal's property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred; and
283295
284296 (2) Reimburse the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the reasonable attorney's fees and costs paid on the agent's behalf.
285297
286298 Sec. 18. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agent's resignation, an agent may resign by giving notice to the principal and, if the principal is incapacitated:
287299
288300 (1) To the conservator of the estate, the conservator of the person and guardian, if one has been appointed for the principal, and a coagent or successor agent; or
289301
290302 (2) If there is no person described in subdivision (1) of this section, to:
291303
292304 (A) A person reasonably believed by the agent to have sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; or
293305
294306 (B) A governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal.
295307
296308 Sec. 19. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) For purposes of this section and section 20 of this act, "acknowledged" means purportedly verified before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgements.
297309
298310 (b) A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the signature is not genuine may rely upon the presumption under section 5 of this act that the signature is genuine.
299311
300312 (c) A person that in good faith accepts an acknowledged power of attorney without actual knowledge that the power of attorney is void, invalid, or terminated, that the purported agent's authority is void, invalid, or terminated, or that the agent is exceeding or improperly exercising the agent's authority may rely upon the power of attorney as if the power of attorney were genuine, valid and still in effect, the agent's authority were genuine, valid and still in effect, and the agent had not exceeded and had properly exercised the authority.
301313
302314 (d) A person that is asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney may request, and rely upon, without further investigation:
303315
304316 (1) An agent's certification under penalty of perjury of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent or power of attorney;
305317
306318 (2) An English translation of the power of attorney if the power of attorney contains, in whole or in part, language other than English; and
307319
308320 (3) An opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person making the request provides in a writing or other record the reason for the request.
309321
310322 (e) An English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principal's expense unless the request is made more than seven business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance.
311323
312324 (f) For purposes of this section and section 20 of this act, a person that conducts activities through employees and has implemented commercially reasonable standards to communicate information regarding powers of attorney among its employees is without actual knowledge of a fact relating to a power of attorney, a principal or an agent if the employee conducting the transaction involving the power of attorney has followed such standards and nonetheless is without actual knowledge of the fact.
313325
314326 Sec. 20. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section:
315327
316328 (1) A person shall either accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 19 of this act not later than seven business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance;
317329
318330 (2) If a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 19 of this act, the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than five business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and
319331
320332 (3) A person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented.
321333
322334 (b) A person is not required to accept an acknowledged power of attorney if:
323335
324336 (1) The person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances;
325337
326338 (2) Engaging in a transaction with the agent or the principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with state or federal law;
327339
328340 (3) The person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent's authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power;
329341
330342 (4) A request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 19 of this act is refused;
331343
332344 (5) The person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under subsection (d) of section 19 of this act has been requested or provided; or
333345
334346 (6) The person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the Bureau of Aging, Community and Social Work Services Division of the Department of Social Services stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent.
335347
336348 (c) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to:
337349
338350 (1) An order by a probate court or by a court of general jurisdiction mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and
339351
340352 (2) Liability for reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney.
341353
342354 Sec. 21. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless displaced by a provision of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act, the principles of law and equity supplement the provisions of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
343355
344356 Sec. 22. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) The provisions of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act do not supersede any other law applicable to financial institutions or other entities, and the other law controls if inconsistent with the provisions of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
345357
346358 Sec. 23. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) The remedies under sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this state, other than sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
347359
348360 Sec. 24. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) An agent under a power of attorney may do the following on behalf of the principal or with the principal's property only if the power of attorney expressly grants the agent the authority and exercise of the authority is not otherwise prohibited by another agreement or instrument to which the authority or property is subject:
349361
350362 (1) Create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust;
351363
352364 (2) Make a gift;
353365
354366 (3) Create or change rights of survivorship;
355367
356368 (4) Create or change a beneficiary designation;
357369
358370 (5) Delegate authority granted under the power of attorney;
359371
360372 (6) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan;
361373
362374 (7) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate; or
363375
364376 (8) Disclaim property, including a power of appointment.
365377
366378 (b) Notwithstanding a grant of authority to do an act described in subsection (a) of this section, unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, an agent that is not an ancestor, spouse or descendant of the principal may not exercise authority under a power of attorney to create in the agent, or in an individual to whom the agent owes a legal obligation of support, an interest in the principal's property, whether by gift, right of survivorship, beneficiary designation, disclaimer or otherwise.
367379
368-(c) Subject to the provisions set forth in subsections (a), (b), (d) and (e) of this section, if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the general authority described in sections 27 to 39, inclusive, of this act.
380+(c) Subject to the provisions set forth in subsections (a), (b), (d) and (e) of this section, if a power of attorney grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do, the agent has the general authority described in sections 26 to 38, inclusive, of this act.
369381
370382 (d) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, a grant of authority to make a gift is subject to section 40 of this act.
371383
372384 (e) Subject to the provisions set forth in subsections (a), (b) and (d) of this section, if the subjects over which authority is granted in a power of attorney are similar or overlap, the broadest authority controls.
373385
374386 (f) Authority granted in a power of attorney is exercisable with respect to property that the principal has when the power of attorney is executed or acquires later, whether or not the property is located in this state and whether or not the authority is exercised or the power of attorney is executed in this state.
375387
376388 (g) An act performed by an agent pursuant to a power of attorney has the same effect and inures to the benefit of and binds the principal and the principal's successors in interest as if the principal had performed the act.
377389
378390 Sec. 25. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) An agent has authority described in sections 24 to 40, inclusive, of this act if the power of attorney refers to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for the subjects stated in sections 27 to 40, inclusive, of this act or cites the section in which the authority is described.
379391
380392 (b) A reference in a power of attorney to general authority with respect to the descriptive term for a subject in sections 27 to 40, inclusive, of this act or a citation to a section of sections 27 to 40, inclusive, of this act incorporates the entire section as if it were set out in full in the power of attorney.
381393
382394 (c) A principal may modify authority incorporated by reference.
383395
384396 Sec. 26. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, by executing a power of attorney that incorporates by reference a subject described in sections 27 to 40, inclusive, of this act or that grants to an agent authority to do all acts that a principal could do pursuant to subsection (c) of section 24 of this act, a principal authorizes the agent, with respect to that subject, to:
385397
386398 (1) Demand, receive, and obtain by litigation or otherwise, money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become, or claims to be entitled, and conserve, invest, disburse or use anything so received or obtained for the purposes intended;
387399
388400 (2) Contract in any manner with any person, on terms agreeable to the agent, to accomplish a purpose of a transaction and perform, rescind, cancel, terminate, reform, restate, release or modify the contract or another contract made by or on behalf of the principal;
389401
390402 (3) Execute, acknowledge, seal, deliver, file or record any instrument or communication the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of a transaction, including creating at any time a schedule listing some or all of the principal's property and attaching it to the power of attorney;
391403
392404 (4) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose or propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal or intervene in litigation relating to the claim;
393405
394406 (5) Seek on the principal's behalf the assistance of a court or other governmental agency to carry out an act authorized in the power of attorney;
395407
396408 (6) Engage, compensate and discharge an attorney, accountant, discretionary investment manager, expert witness or other advisor;
397409
398410 (7) Prepare, execute and file a record, report or other document to safeguard or promote the principal's interest under a federal or state statute or regulation;
399411
400412 (8) Communicate with any representative or employee of a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, on behalf of the principal;
401413
402414 (9) Access communications intended for, and communicate on behalf of, the principal, whether by mail, electronic transmission, telephone or other means; and
403415
404416 (10) Do any lawful act with respect to the subject and all property related to the subject.
405417
406418 Sec. 27. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to real property authorizes the agent to:
407419
408420 (1) Demand, buy, lease, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire or reject an interest in real property or a right incident to real property;
409421
410422 (2) Sell; exchange; convey with or without covenants, representations, or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; retain title for security; encumber; partition; consent to partitioning; subject to an easement or covenant; subdivide; apply for zoning or other governmental permits; plat or consent to platting; develop; grant an option concerning; lease; sublease; contribute to an entity in exchange for an interest in that entity; or otherwise grant or dispose of an interest in real property or a right incident to real property;
411423
412424 (3) Pledge or mortgage an interest in real property or right incident to real property as security to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
413425
414426 (4) Release, assign, satisfy or enforce by litigation or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust, conditional sale contract, encumbrance, lien or other claim to real property which exists or is asserted;
415427
416428 (5) Manage or conserve an interest in real property or a right incident to real property owned or claimed to be owned by the principal, including:
417429
418430 (A) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss;
419431
420432 (B) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the interest or right by litigation or otherwise;
421433
422434 (C) Paying, assessing, compromising or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with such taxes or assessments; and
423435
424436 (D) Purchasing supplies, hiring assistance or labor and making repairs or alterations to the real property;
425437
426438 (6) Use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect or install structures or other improvements upon real property in or incident to which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest or right;
427439
428440 (7) Participate in a reorganization with respect to real property or an entity that owns an interest in or right incident to real property and receive, and hold and act with respect to stocks and bonds or other property received in a plan of reorganization, including:
429441
430-(A) Selling or otherwise disposing of such stocks, bonds or other property;
442+(A) Selling or otherwise disposing of them;
431443
432-(B) Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion or similar right with respect to such stocks, bonds or other property; and
444+(B) Exercising or selling an option, right of conversion or similar right with respect to them; and
433445
434446 (C) Exercising any voting rights in person or by proxy;
435447
436448 (8) Change the form of title of an interest in or right incident to real property; and
437449
438450 (9) Dedicate to public use, with or without consideration, easements or other real property in which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest.
439451
440452 Sec. 28. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to tangible personal property authorizes the agent to:
441453
442454 (1) Demand, buy, receive, accept as a gift or as security for an extension of credit or otherwise acquire or reject ownership or possession of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
443455
444456 (2) Sell; exchange; convey with or without covenants, representations, or warranties; quitclaim; release; surrender; create a security interest in; grant options concerning; lease; sublease; or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
445457
446458 (3) Grant a security interest in tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property as security to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
447459
448460 (4) Release, assign, satisfy or enforce by litigation or otherwise, a security interest, lien or other claim on behalf of the principal, with respect to tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property;
449461
450462 (5) Manage or conserve tangible personal property or an interest in tangible personal property on behalf of the principal, including:
451463
452464 (A) Insuring against liability or casualty or other loss;
453465
454466 (B) Obtaining or regaining possession of or protecting the property or interest, by litigation or otherwise;
455467
456468 (C) Paying, assessing, compromising or contesting taxes or assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection with such taxes or assessments;
457469
458470 (D) Moving the property from place to place;
459471
460472 (E) Storing the property for hire or on a gratuitous bailment; and
461473
462474 (F) Using and making repairs, alterations or improvements to the property; and
463475
464476 (6) Change the form of title of an interest in tangible personal property.
465477
466478 Sec. 29. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to stocks and bonds authorizes the agent to:
467479
468480 (1) Buy, sell and exchange stocks and bonds;
469481
470482 (2) Establish, continue, modify or terminate an account with respect to stocks and bonds;
471483
472484 (3) Pledge stocks and bonds as security to borrow, pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal;
473485
474486 (4) Receive certificates and other evidences of ownership with respect to stocks and bonds; and
475487
476488 (5) Exercise voting rights with respect to stocks and bonds in person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts and consent to limitations on the right to vote.
477489
478490 Sec. 30. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to commodities and options authorizes the agent to:
479491
480492 (1) Buy, sell, exchange, assign, settle and exercise commodity futures contracts and call or put options on stocks or stock indexes traded on a regulated option exchange; and
481493
482494 (2) Establish, continue, modify and terminate option accounts.
483495
484496 Sec. 31. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to banks and other financial institutions authorizes the agent to:
485497
486498 (1) Continue, modify and terminate an account or other banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal;
487499
488500 (2) Establish, modify, and terminate an account or other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage firm or other financial institution selected by the agent;
489501
490502 (3) Contract for services available from a financial institution, including renting a safe deposit box or space in a vault;
491503
492504 (4) Withdraw by: Check, order, electronic funds transfer or otherwise, money or property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of a financial institution;
493505
494506 (5) Receive statements of account, vouchers, notices and similar documents from a financial institution and act with respect to them;
495507
496508 (6) Enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw or add to the contents;
497509
498510 (7) Borrow money and pledge as security personal property of the principal necessary to borrow money or pay, renew or extend the time of payment of a debt of the principal or a debt guaranteed by the principal;
499511
500512 (8) Make, assign, draw, endorse, discount, guarantee and negotiate promissory notes, checks, drafts and other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal or payable to the principal or the principal's order, transfer money, receive the cash or other proceeds of those transactions and accept a draft drawn by a person upon the principal and pay it when due;
501513
502514 (9) Receive for the principal and act upon a sight draft, warehouse receipt, or other document of title whether tangible or electronic, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument;
503515
504516 (10) Apply for, receive and use letters of credit, credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations and traveler's checks from a financial institution and give an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of credit; and
505517
506518 (11) Consent to an extension of the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a financial institution.
507519
508520 Sec. 32. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Subject to the terms of a document or an agreement governing an entity or an entity ownership interest, and unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to operation of an entity or business authorizes the agent to:
509521
510522 (1) Operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce, or terminate an ownership interest;
511523
512524 (2) Perform a duty or discharge a liability and exercise in person or by proxy a right, power, privilege or option that the principal has, may have or claims to have;
513525
514526 (3) Enforce the terms of an ownership agreement;
515527
516528 (4) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party because of an ownership interest;
517529
518530 (5) Exercise in person or by proxy, or enforce by litigation or otherwise, a right, power, privilege or option the principal has or claims to have as the holder of stocks and bonds;
519531
520532 (6) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to which the principal is a party concerning stocks and bonds;
521533
522534 (7) With respect to an entity or business owned solely by the principal:
523535
524536 (A) Continue, modify, renegotiate, extend and terminate a contract made by or on behalf of the principal with respect to the entity or business before execution of the power of attorney;
525537
526538 (B) Determine:
527539
528540 (i) The location of its operation;
529541
530542 (ii) The nature and extent of its business;
531543
532-(iii) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting and advertising employed in its operation;
544+(iii) The methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising financing, accounting and advertising employed in its operation;
533545
534546 (iv) The amount and types of insurance carried; and
535547
536548 (v) The mode of engaging, compensating and dealing with its employees and accountants, attorneys or other advisors;
537549
538550 (C) Change the name or form of organization under which the entity or business is operated and enter into an ownership agreement with other persons to take over all or part of the operation of the entity or business; and
539551
540552 (D) Demand and receive money due or claimed by the principal or on the principal's behalf in the operation of the entity or business and control and disburse the money in the operation of the entity or business;
541553
542554 (8) Put additional capital into an entity or business in which the principal has an interest;
543555
544556 (9) Join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation, conversion, domestication or merger of the entity or business;
545557
546558 (10) Sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or business;
547559
548560 (11) Establish the value of an entity or business under a buy out agreement to which the principal is a party;
549561
550562 (12) Prepare, sign, file and deliver reports, compilations of information, returns or other papers with respect to an entity or business and make related payments; and
551563
552564 (13) Pay, compromise or contest taxes, assessments, fines or penalties and perform any other act to protect the principal from illegal or unnecessary taxation, assessments, fines or penalties, with respect to an entity or business, including attempts to recover, in any manner permitted by law, money paid before or after the execution of the power of attorney.
553565
554566 Sec. 33. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to insurance and annuities authorizes the agent to:
555567
556568 (1) Continue, pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release or terminate a contract procured by or on behalf of the principal which insures or provides an annuity to either the principal or another person, whether or not the principal is a beneficiary under the contract;
557569
558570 (2) Procure new, different and additional contracts of insurance and annuities for the principal and the principal's spouse, children and other dependents, and select the amount, type of insurance or annuity and mode of payment;
559571
560572 (3) Pay the premium or make a contribution on, modify, exchange, rescind, release or terminate a contract of insurance or annuity procured by the agent;
561573
562574 (4) Apply for and receive a loan secured by a contract of insurance or annuity;
563575
564576 (5) Surrender and receive the cash surrender value on a contract of insurance or annuity;
565577
566578 (6) Exercise an election;
567579
568580 (7) Exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity;
569581
570582 (8) Change the manner of paying premiums on a contract of insurance or annuity;
571583
572584 (9) Change or convert the type of insurance or annuity with respect to which the principal has or claims to have authority described in this section;
573585
574586 (10) Apply for and procure a benefit or assistance under a federal or state statute or regulation to guarantee or pay premiums of a contract of insurance on the life of the principal;
575587
576588 (11) Collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow against or pledge the interest of the principal in a contract of insurance or annuity;
577589
578590 (12) Select the form and timing of the payment of proceeds from a contract of insurance or annuity; and
579591
580592 (13) Pay, from proceeds or otherwise, compromise or contest and apply for refunds in connection with, a tax or assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a contract of insurance or annuity or its proceeds or liability accruing by reason of the tax or assessment.
581593
582594 Sec. 34. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) For purposes of this section, "estate, trust or other beneficial interest" means a trust, probate estate, guardianship, conservatorship, escrow or custodianship or a fund from which the principal is, may become or claims to be, entitled to a share or payment.
583595
584596 (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to estates, trusts and other beneficial interests authorizes the agent to:
585597
586598 (1) Accept, receive, receipt for, sell, assign, pledge or exchange a share in or payment from an estate, trust or other beneficial interest;
587599
588600 (2) Demand or obtain money or another thing of value to which the principal is, may become or claims to be, entitled by reason of an estate, trust or other beneficial interest, by litigation or otherwise;
589601
590602 (3) Exercise for the benefit of the principal a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal;
591603
592604 (4) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to ascertain the meaning, validity or effect of a deed, will, declaration of trust or other instrument or transaction affecting the interest of the principal;
593605
594606 (5) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation to remove, substitute or surcharge a fiduciary;
595607
596608 (6) Conserve, invest, disburse or use anything received for an authorized purpose; and
597609
598610 (7) Transfer an interest of the principal in real property, stocks and bonds, accounts with financial institutions or securities intermediaries, insurance, annuities and other property to the trustee of a revocable trust created by the principal as settlor.
599611
600612 Sec. 35. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to claims and litigation authorizes the agent to:
601613
602614 (1) Assert and maintain before a court or administrative agency a claim, claim for relief, cause of action, counterclaim, offset, recoupment or defense, including an action to recover property or other thing of value, recover damages sustained by the principal, eliminate or modify tax liability, or seek an injunction, specific performance or other relief;
603615
604616 (2) Bring an action to determine adverse claims or intervene or otherwise participate in litigation;
605617
606618 (3) Seek an attachment, garnishment, order of arrest or other preliminary, provisional or intermediate relief and use an available procedure to effect or satisfy a judgment, order or decree;
607619
608620 (4) Make or accept a tender, offer of judgment or admission of facts, submit a controversy on an agreed statement of facts, consent to examination and bind the principal in litigation;
609621
610622 (5) Submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle and propose or accept a compromise;
611623
612624 (6) Waive the issuance and service of process upon the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons upon which process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal's behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, receive, execute, and file or deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement or other instrument in connection with the prosecution, settlement or defense of a claim or litigation;
613625
614626 (7) Act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or involuntary, concerning the principal or some other person, or with respect to a reorganization, receivership or application for the appointment of a receiver or trustee which affects an interest of the principal in property or other thing of value;
615627
616628 (8) Pay a judgment, award or order against the principal or a settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation; and
617629
618630 (9) Receive money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation.
619631
620632 Sec. 36. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to personal and family maintenance authorizes the agent to:
621633
622634 (1) Perform the acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the principal, the principal's spouse and the following individuals, whether living when the power of attorney is executed or later born:
623635
624636 (A) The principal's children;
625637
626638 (B) Other individuals legally entitled to be supported by the principal; and
627639
628640 (C) The individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support;
629641
630642 (2) Make periodic payments of child support and other family maintenance required by a court or governmental agency or an agreement to which the principal is a party;
631643
632644 (3) Provide living quarters for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection by:
633645
634646 (A) Purchase, lease or other contract; or
635647
636648 (B) Paying the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, improvements and taxes, for premises owned by the principal or occupied by those individuals;
637649
638650 (4) Provide normal domestic help, usual vacations and travel expenses and funds for shelter, clothing, food, appropriate education, including post secondary and vocational education and other current living costs for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection;
639651
640652 (5) Pay expenses for necessary health care and custodial care on behalf of the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection;
641653
642654 (6) Act as the principal's personal representative pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Sections 1171 to 1179, inclusive, of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 1320d, as amended from time to time, and applicable federal regulations, in making decisions related to the past, present or future payment for the provision of health care consented to by the principal or anyone authorized under the law of this state to consent to health care on behalf of the principal;
643655
644656 (7) Continue any provision made by the principal for automobiles or other means of transportation, including registering, licensing, insuring and replacing them, for the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection;
645657
646658 (8) Maintain credit and debit accounts for the convenience of the individuals described in subdivision (1) of this subsection and open new accounts; and
647659
648-(9) Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order or other organization or continue contributions to those organizations.
660+(9) Continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a religious institution, club, society, order or other organization or to continue contributions to those organizations.
649661
650-(b) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is neither dependent upon, nor limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
662+(b) Authority with respect to personal and family maintenance is neither dependent upon, nor limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under this act.
651663
652664 Sec. 37. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) For purposes of this section, "benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service" means any benefit, program or assistance provided under a federal or state statute or regulation including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
653665
654666 (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:
655667
656668 (1) Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in subdivision (a) of subsection (1) of section 36 of this act, and for shipment of their household effects;
657669
658670 (2) Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate or other instrument for that purpose;
659671
660672 (3) Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a benefit or program;
661673
662674 (4) Prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled under a federal or state statute or regulation;
663675
664676 (5) Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution, settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive under a federal or state statute or regulation; and
665677
666678 (6) Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision (4) of this subsection and conserve, invest, disburse or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.
667679
668680 Sec. 38. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) For purposes of this section, "retirement plan" means a plan or account created by an employer, the principal or another individual to provide retirement benefits or deferred compensation of which the principal is a participant, beneficiary or owner, including a plan or account under the following sections of the of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended from time to time:
669681
670682 (1) An individual retirement account under 26 USC 408, as amended from time to time;
671683
672684 (2) A Roth individual retirement account under 26 USC 408A, as amended from time to time;
673685
674686 (3) A deemed individual retirement account under 26 USC 408(q), as amended from time to time;
675687
676688 (4) An annuity or mutual fund custodial account under 26 USC 403(b), as amended from time to time;
677689
678690 (5) A pension, profit sharing, stock bonus or other retirement plan qualified under 26 USC 401(a), as amended from time to time;
679691
680692 (6) A plan under 26 USC 457(b), as amended from time to time; and
681693
682694 (7) A nonqualified deferred compensation plan under 26 USC 409A, as amended from time to time.
683695
684696 (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to retirement plans authorizes the agent to:
685697
686698 (1) Select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan;
687699
688700 (2) Make a rollover, including a direct trustee to trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement plan to another;
689701
690702 (3) Establish a retirement plan in the principal's name;
691703
692704 (4) Make contributions to a retirement plan;
693705
694706 (5) Exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan; and
695707
696708 (6) Borrow from, sell assets to or purchase assets from a retirement plan.
697709
698710 Sec. 39. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to taxes authorizes the agent to:
699711
700712 (1) Prepare, sign and file federal, state, local and foreign income, gift, payroll, property, Federal Insurance Contributions Act and other tax returns, claims for refunds, requests for extension of time, petitions regarding tax matters and any other tax related documents, including, receipts, offers, waivers, consents, including consents and agreements under 26 USC 2032A, as amended from time to time, closing agreements and any power of attorney required by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority with respect to a tax year upon which the statute of limitations has not run and the following twenty-five tax years;
701713
702714 (2) Pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds, receive confidential information and contest deficiencies determined by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority;
703715
704716 (3) Exercise any election available to the principal under federal, state, local or foreign tax law; and
705717
706718 (4) Act for the principal in all tax matters for all periods before the Internal Revenue Service, or other taxing authority.
707719
708720 Sec. 40. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) For purposes of this section, a gift "for the benefit of" a person includes a gift to a trust, an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under 26 USC 529, as amended from time to time.
709721
710722 (b) Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent only to:
711723
712724 (1) Make outright to, or for the benefit of, a person, a gift of any of the principal's property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, in an amount per donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under 26 USC 2503(b), as amended from time to time, without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal's spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to 26 USC 2513, as amended from time to time, in an amount per donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; and
713725
714726 (2) Consent, pursuant to 26 USC 2513, as amended from time to time, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal's spouse in an amount per donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for both spouses.
715727
716728 (c) An agent may make a gift of the principal's property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's objectives if actually known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's best interest based on all relevant factors, including:
717729
718730 (1) The value and nature of the principal's property;
719731
720732 (2) The principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;
721733
722734 (3) Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation skipping transfer and gift taxes;
723735
724736 (4) Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a federal or state statute or regulation; and
725737
726738 (5) The principal's personal history of making or joining in making gifts.
727739
728740 Sec. 41. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) A document substantially in the following form may be used to create a statutory form power of attorney that has the meaning and effect prescribed by sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
729741
730742 CONNECTICUT
731743
732744 STATUTORY FORM POWER OF ATTORNEY
733745
734746 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
735747
736748 This power of attorney authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions concerning your property for you (the principal). Your agent will be able to make decisions and act with respect to your property (including your money) whether or not you are able to act for yourself. The meaning of authority over subjects listed on this form is explained in the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
737749
738750 This power of attorney does not authorize the agent to make health care decisions for you.
739751
740752 You should select someone you trust to serve as your agent. Unless you specify otherwise, generally the agent's authority will continue until you die or revoke the power of attorney or the agent resigns or is unable to act for you.
741753
742754 Your agent is entitled to reasonable compensation unless you state otherwise in the special instructions.
743755
744756 This form provides for designation of one agent. If you wish to name more than one agent you may name a coagent in the special instructions. Coagents are not required to act together unless you include that requirement in the special instructions.
745757
746758 If your agent is unable or unwilling to act for you, your power of attorney will end unless you have named a successor agent. You may also name a second successor agent.
747759
748760 This power of attorney becomes effective immediately unless you state otherwise in the special instructions.
749761
750762 If you have questions about the power of attorney or the authority you are granting to your agent, you should seek legal advice before signing this form.
751763
752764 DESIGNATION OF AGENT
753765
754766 I____________________________________name the following person
755767
756768 (Name of Principal)
757769
758770 as my agent:
759771
760772 Name of Agent: _____________________________________________
761773
762774 Agent's Address: ____________________________________________
763775
764776 DESIGNATION OF SUCCESSOR AGENT(S) (OPTIONAL)
765777
766778 If my agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my successor agent:
767779
768780 Name of Successor Agent:____________________________________
769781
770782 Successor Agent's Address:___________________________________
771783
772784 If my successor agent is unable or unwilling to act for me, I name as my second successor agent:
773785
774786 Name of Second Successor Agent:______________________________
775787
776788 Second Successor Agent's Address:_____________________________
777789
778790 GRANT OF GENERAL AUTHORITY
779791
780792 I grant my agent and any successor agent general authority to act for me with respect to the following subjects as defined in the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act, sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act:
781793
782794 (INITIAL each subject you want to include in the agent's general authority. If you wish to grant general authority over all of the subjects you may initial "All Preceding Subjects" instead of initialing each subject.)
783795
784796 (___) Real Property
785797
786798 (___) Tangible Personal Property
787799
788800 (___) Stocks and Bonds
789801
790802 (___) Commodities and Options
791803
792804 (___) Banks and Other Financial Institutions
793805
794806 (___) Operation of Entity or Business
795807
796808 (___) Insurance and Annuities
797809
798810 (___) Estates, Trusts and Other Beneficial Interests
799811
800812 (___) Claims and Litigation
801813
802814 (___) Personal and Family Maintenance
803815
804816 (___) Benefits from Governmental Programs or Civil or Military Service
805817
806818 (___) Retirement Plans
807819
808820 (___) Taxes
809821
810822 (___) All Preceding Subjects
811823
812824 GRANT OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL)
813825
814826 My agent MAY NOT do any of the following specific acts for me UNLESS I have INITIALED the specific authority listed below:
815827
816828 (CAUTION: Granting any of the following will give your agent the authority to take actions that could significantly reduce your property or change how your property is distributed at your death. INITIAL ONLY the specific authority you WANT to give your agent.)
817829
818830 YOU SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING POWERS.
819831
820832 (___) Make a gift, subject to the limitations of the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act and any special instructions in this power of attorney. Unless otherwise provided in the special instructions, gifts per recipient may not exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code Section 2503(b), or if the principal's spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 2513, in an amount per recipient not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit. In addition, an agent must determine that gifts are consistent with the principal's objectives if actually known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's best interest based on all relevant factors.
821833
822834 (___) Create or change rights of survivorship
823835
824836 (___) Create or change a beneficiary designation
825837
826838 (___) Authorize another person to exercise the authority granted under this power of attorney
827839
828840 (___) Waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan
829841
830842 (___) Exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate
831843
832844 (___) Disclaim or refuse an interest in property, including a power of appointment
833845
834846 LIMITATION ON AGENT'S AUTHORITY
835847
836848 An agent that is not my ancestor, spouse, or descendant MAY NOT use my property to benefit the agent or a person to whom the agent owes an obligation of support unless I have included that authority in the special instructions.
837849
838850 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL)
839851
840852 You may give special instructions on the following lines:
841853
842854 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
843855
844856 I approve these special instructions
845857
846858 _____________________________________ _______________
847859
848860 Your Signature Date
849861
850862 EFFECTIVE DATE
851863
852864 This power of attorney is effective immediately unless I have stated otherwise in the special instructions.
853865
854866 NOMINATION OF CONSERVATOR (OPTIONAL)
855867
856868 Initial below if you want to include the following provision(s):
857869
858870 (___) I hereby nominate the same person(s) that I have named as my agent(s) under this power of attorney as conservator(s) of my estate if it becomes necessary for a court to appoint a conservator of my estate.
859871
860872 (___) In the event that a court appoints my agent(s) as my conservator(s), I request that my conservator(s) not be required to post a bond.
861873
862874 RELIANCE ON THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY
863875
864876 Any person, including my agent, may rely upon the validity of this power of attorney or a copy of it unless that person knows it has terminated or is invalid.
865877
866878 SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
867879
868880 Signed in the presence of:
869881
870882 _________________ ______________________ __________
871883
872884 Witness Signature Your Signature Date
873885
874886 _________________ ______________________ __________
875887
876888 Witness Signature Your Signature Date
877889
878890 Your Name Printed
879891
880892 ____________________________________________
881893
882894 ____________________________________________
883895
884896 Your Address
885897
886898 ____________________________________________
887899
888900 Your Telephone Number
889901
890902 State of ______________________________
891903
892904 County of___________________________
893905
894906 This document was acknowledged before me On ________________,
895907
896908 (Date)
897909
898910 by______________________________________.
899911
900912 (Name of Principal)
901913
902914 ________________________________________ (Seal, if any)
903915
904916 Signature of Commissioner of Superior Court/Notary
905917
906918 My commission expires: _________________________
907919
908920 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGENT
909921
910922 Agent's Duties
911923
912924 When you accept the authority granted under this power of attorney, a special legal relationship is created between you and the principal. This relationship continues until you resign or the power of attorney is terminated or revoked. You must:
913925
914926 (1) Do what you know the principal reasonably expects you to do with the principal's property or, if you do not know the principal's expectations, act in the principal's best interest;
915927
916928 (2) Act in good faith;
917929
918930 (3) Do nothing beyond the authority granted in this power of attorney; and
919931
920932 (4) Disclose your identity as an agent whenever you act for the principal by writing or printing the name of the principal and signing your own name as "agent" in the following manner:
921933
922934 (Principal's Name) by (Your Signature) as Agent
923935
924936 Unless the special instructions in this power of attorney state otherwise, you must also:
925937
926938 (1) Act loyally for the principal's benefit;
927939
928940 (2) Avoid conflicts that would impair your ability to act in the principal's best interest;
929941
930942 (3) Act with care, competence, and diligence;
931943
932944 (4) Keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal;
933945
934946 (5) Cooperate with any person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to do what you know the principal reasonably expects or, if you do not know the principal's expectations, to act in the principal's best interest; and
935947
936948 (6) Attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan if you know the plan and preserving the plan is consistent with the principal's best interest.
937949
938950 Termination of Agent's Authority
939951
940952 You must stop acting on behalf of the principal if you learn of any event that terminates this power of attorney or your authority under this power of attorney. Events that terminate a power of attorney or your authority to act under a power of attorney include:
941953
942954 (1) Death of the principal;
943955
944956 (2) The principal's revocation of the power of attorney or your authority;
945957
946958 (3) The occurrence of a termination event stated in the power of attorney;
947959
948960 (4) The purpose of the power of attorney is fully accomplished; or
949961
950962 (5) If you are married to the principal, a legal action is filed with a court to end your marriage, or for your legal separation, unless the special instructions in this power of attorney state that such an action will not terminate your authority.
951963
952964 Liability of Agent
953965
954966 The meaning of the authority granted to you is defined in the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act, sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act. If you violate the Connecticut Uniform Power of Attorney Act, sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act or act outside the authority granted, you may be liable for any damages caused by your violation.
955967
956968 If there is anything about this document or your duties that you do not understand, you should seek legal advice.
957969
958970 Sec. 42. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) The following optional form may be used by an agent to certify facts concerning a power of attorney.
959971
960972 AGENT'S CERTIFICATION AS TO THE
961973
962974 VALIDITY OF POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AGENT'S AUTHORITY
963975
964976 State of ______________________________
965977
966978 County of___________________________
967979
968980 I, _____________________ (Name of Agent), certify under penalty of false statement that ____________________(Name of Principal) granted me authority as an agent or successor agent in a power of attorney dated ________________________.
969981
970982 I further certify that to my knowledge:
971983
972984 (1) the Principal is alive and has not revoked the Power of Attorney or my authority to act under the Power of Attorney and the Power of Attorney and my authority to act under the Power of Attorney have not terminated;
973985
974986 (2) if the Power of Attorney was drafted to become effective upon the happening of an event or contingency, the event or contingency has occurred;
975987
976988 (3) if I was named as a successor agent, the prior agent is no longer able or willing to serve; and
977989
978990 (4) ________________________________________________________
979991
980992 ____________________________________________________________
981993
982994 ____________________________________________________________
983995
984996 ____________________________________________________________
985997
986998 (Insert other relevant statements)
987999
9881000 SIGNATURE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
9891001
9901002 __________________________________ _______________
9911003
9921004 Agent's Signature Date
9931005
9941006 ____________________________________________
9951007
9961008 Agent's Name Printed
9971009
9981010 ____________________________________________
9991011
10001012 ____________________________________________
10011013
10021014 Agent's Address
10031015
10041016 ____________________________________________
10051017
10061018 Agent's Telephone Number
10071019
10081020 This document was acknowledged before me on ______________,
10091021
10101022 (Date)
10111023
10121024 by______________________________________.
10131025
10141026 (Name of Agent)
10151027
10161028 ________________________________________ (Seal, if any)
10171029
10181030 Signature of Commissioner of Superior Court/Notary
10191031
10201032 My commission expires: _________________________
10211033
10221034 Sec. 43. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) In applying and construing the provisions of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among the states that enact it.
10231035
1024-Sec. 44. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) Sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act modify, limit, and supersede the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 USC 7001 et seq., but do not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 USC 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 3(b) of that act, 15 USC 7003(b).
1036+Sec. 44. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) This act modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 USC 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 USC 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 3(b) of that act, 15 USC 7003(b).
10251037
10261038 Sec. 45. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2014) (a) Except as otherwise provided in sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act, on October 1, 2014, said sections apply to:
10271039
10281040 (1) A power of attorney created before, on, or after October 1, 2014;
10291041
10301042 (2) A judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced on or after October 1, 2014;
10311043
10321044 (3) A judicial proceeding concerning a power of attorney commenced before October 1, 2014, unless the court finds that application of a provision of sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act would substantially interfere with the effective conduct of the judicial proceeding or prejudice the rights of a party, in which case that provision does not apply and the superseded law applies; and
10331045
10341046 (b) An act performed by an agent under a power of attorney before October 1, 2014, is not affected by sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act.
10351047
10361048 Sec. 46. Subsection (a) of section 45a-98 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
10371049
10381050 (a) Courts of probate in their respective districts shall have the power to (1) grant administration of intestate estates of persons who have died domiciled in their districts and of intestate estates of persons not domiciled in this state which may be granted as provided by section 45a-303; (2) admit wills to probate of persons who have died domiciled in their districts or of nondomiciliaries whose wills may be proved in their districts as provided in section 45a-287; (3) except as provided in section 45a-98a or as limited by an applicable statute of limitations, determine title or rights of possession and use in and to any real, tangible or intangible property that constitutes, or may constitute, all or part of any trust, any decedent's estate, or any estate under control of a guardian or conservator, which trust or estate is otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Probate Court, including the rights and obligations of any beneficiary of the trust or estate and including the rights and obligations of any joint tenant with respect to survivorship property; (4) except as provided in section 45a-98a, construe the meaning and effect of any will or trust agreement if a construction is required in connection with the administration or distribution of a trust or estate otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Probate Court, [or, with respect to] an inter vivos trust, if that trust is or could be subject to jurisdiction of the court for an accounting pursuant to section 45a-175, provided such an accounting need not be required, or a power of attorney in accordance with section 16 of this act; (5) except as provided in section 45a-98a, apply the doctrine of cy pres or approximation; (6) to the extent provided for in section 45a-175, call executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, conservators, persons appointed to sell the land of minors, and [attorneys-in-fact] agents acting under powers of attorney created in accordance with section [45a-562] sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act, to account concerning the estates entrusted to their charge or for other relief as provided in sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act; and (7) make any lawful orders or decrees to carry into effect the power and jurisdiction conferred upon them by the laws of this state.
10391051
10401052 Sec. 47. Section 45a-175 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
10411053
10421054 (a) Courts of probate shall have jurisdiction of the interim and final accounts of testamentary trustees, trustees appointed by the courts of probate, conservators, guardians, persons appointed by probate courts to sell the land of minors, executors, administrators and trustees in insolvency, and, to the extent provided for in this section, shall have jurisdiction of accounts of the actions of trustees of inter vivos trusts and [attorneys-in-fact] agents acting under powers of attorney.
10431055
10441056 (b) A trustee or settlor of an inter vivos trust or an attorney-in-fact or the successor of the trustee, settlor [or attorney-in-fact or the grantor of such power of attorney] or his legal representative may make application to the court of probate for the district where the trustee, or any one of them, [or the attorney-in-fact] has any place of business or to the court of probate for the district where the trustee or any one of them or the settlor [or the attorney-in-fact or the grantor of the power] resides or, in the case of a deceased settlor or grantor, to the court of probate having jurisdiction over the estate of the settlor [or grantor] or for the district in which the settlor [or grantor] resided immediately prior to death for submission to the jurisdiction of the court of an account for allowance of the trustee's [or attorney's] actions under such trust. [or power.]
10451057
10461058 (c) (1) Any beneficiary of an inter vivos trust may petition a court of probate having jurisdiction under this section for an accounting by the trustee or trustees. The court may, after hearing with notice to all interested parties, grant the petition and require an accounting for such periods of time as it determines are reasonable and necessary on finding that: (A) The beneficiary has an interest in the trust sufficient to entitle him to an accounting, (B) cause has been shown that an accounting is necessary, and (C) the petition is not for the purpose of harassment.
10471059
10481060 (2) A court of probate shall have jurisdiction to require an accounting under subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section if (A) a trustee of the trust resides in its district, (B) in the case of a corporate trustee, the trustee has any place of business in the district, (C) any of the trust assets are maintained or evidences of intangible property of the trust are situated in the district, or (D) the settlor resides in the district or, in the case of a deceased settlor, resided in the district immediately prior to death.
10491061
10501062 (3) As used in subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section, "beneficiary" means any person currently receiving payments of income or principal from the trust, or who may be entitled to receive income or principal or both from the trust at some future date, or the legal representative of such person.
10511063
10521064 (d) Any of the persons specified in section 16 of this act may make application to the court of probate for the district where the agent has any place of business or to the court of probate for the district where the agent or the principal resides or, in the case of a deceased principal, to the court of probate having jurisdiction over the estate of the principal or for the district in which the principal resided immediately prior to death, for an accounting or other relief as provided in section 16 of this act. The court shall grant the petition if filed by the principal, agent, guardian, conservator or other fiduciary acting for the principal. The court may grant a petition filed by any other person specified in section 16 of this act if it finds that (1) the petitioner has an interest sufficient to entitle him to the relief requested, (2) cause has been shown that such relief is necessary, and (3) the petition is not for the purpose of harassment.
10531065
10541066 [(d)] (e) The action to submit an accounting to the court, whether by an inter vivos trustee or [attorney] agent acting under a power of attorney or whether pursuant to petition of another party, shall not subject the trust or the power of attorney to the continuing jurisdiction of the Probate Court.
10551067
10561068 [(e)] (f) If the court finds such appointment to be necessary and in the best interests of the estate, the court upon its own motion may appoint an auditor to be selected from a list provided by the Probate Court Administrator, to examine accounts over which the court has jurisdiction under this section, except those accounts on matters in which the fiduciary or cofiduciary is a corporation having trust powers. The Probate Court Administrator shall promulgate regulations in accordance with section 45a-77 concerning the compilation of a list of qualified auditors. Costs of the audit may be charged to the fiduciary, any party in interest and the estate, in such proportion as the court shall direct if the court finds such charge to be equitable. Any such share may be paid from the fund established under section 45a-82, subject to the approval of the Probate Court Administrator, if it is determined that the person obligated to pay such share is unable to pay or to charge such amount to the estate would cause undue hardship.
10571069
10581070 [(f)] (g) Upon the allowance of any such account, the court shall determine the rights of the fiduciaries or the [attorney-in-fact] agent under a power of attorney rendering the account and of the parties interested in the account, including the relief authorized under section 17 of this act, subject to appeal as in other cases. The court shall cause notice of the hearing on the account to be given in such manner and to such parties as it directs.
10591071
10601072 [(g)] (h) In any action under this section, the Probate Court shall have, in addition to powers pursuant to this section, all the powers available to a judge of the Superior Court at law and in equity pertaining to matters under this section.
10611073
10621074 Sec. 48. Subsection (b) of section 45a-645 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
10631075
10641076 (b) The designation shall be executed, witnessed and revoked in the same manner as provided for wills in sections 45a-251 and 45a-257, or a power of attorney executed in accordance with section 5 of this act, except that any person who is so designated as a conservator shall not qualify as a witness.
10651077
10661078 Sec. 49. Section 45a-650 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
10671079
10681080 (a) At any hearing on an application for involuntary representation, before the court receives any evidence regarding the condition of the respondent or of the respondent's affairs, the court shall require clear and convincing evidence that the court has jurisdiction, that the respondent has been given notice as required in section 45a-649, and that the respondent has been advised of the right to retain an attorney pursuant to section 45a-649a and is either represented by an attorney or has waived the right to be represented by an attorney. The respondent shall have the right to attend any hearing held under this section.
10691081
10701082 (b) The rules of evidence in civil actions adopted by the judges of the Superior Court shall apply to all hearings pursuant to this section. All testimony at a hearing held pursuant to this section shall be given under oath or affirmation.
10711083
10721084 (c) After making the findings required under subsection (a) of this section, the court shall receive evidence regarding the respondent's condition, the capacity of the respondent to care for himself or herself or to manage his or her affairs, and the ability of the respondent to meet his or her needs without the appointment of a conservator. Unless waived by the court pursuant to this subsection, evidence shall be introduced from one or more physicians licensed to practice medicine in the state who have examined the respondent within forty-five days preceding the hearing. The evidence shall contain specific information regarding the respondent's condition and the effect of the respondent's condition on the respondent's ability to care for himself or herself or to manage his or her affairs. The court may also consider such other evidence as may be available and relevant, including, but not limited to, a summary of the physical and social functioning level or ability of the respondent, and the availability of support services from the family, neighbors, community or any other appropriate source. Such evidence may include, if available, reports from the social work service of a general hospital, municipal social worker, director of social service, public health nurse, public health agency, psychologist, coordinating assessment and monitoring agencies, or such other persons as the court considers qualified to provide such evidence. The court may waive the requirement that medical evidence be presented if it is shown that the evidence is impossible to obtain because of the absence of the respondent or the respondent's refusal to be examined by a physician or that the alleged incapacity is not medical in nature. If such requirement is waived, the court shall make a specific finding in any decree issued on the application stating why medical evidence was not required. Any hospital, psychiatric or medical record or report filed with the court pursuant to this subsection shall be confidential.
10731085
10741086 (d) Upon the filing of an application for involuntary representation pursuant to section 45a-648, the court shall issue an order for the disclosure of the medical information required pursuant to this section to the respondent's attorney and, upon request, to the respondent. The court may issue an order for the disclosure of such medical information to any other person as the court determines necessary.
10751087
10761088 (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 45a-7, the court may hold the hearing on the application at a place other than its usual courtroom if it would facilitate attendance by the respondent.
10771089
10781090 (f) (1) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of managing the respondent's affairs, that the respondent's affairs cannot be managed adequately without the appointment of a conservator and that the appointment of a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available to assist the respondent in managing the respondent's affairs, the court may appoint a conservator of his or her estate after considering the factors set forth in subsection (g) of this section.
10791091
10801092 (2) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapable of caring for himself or herself, that the respondent cannot be cared for adequately without the appointment of a conservator and that the appointment of a conservator is the least restrictive means of intervention available to assist the respondent in caring for himself or herself, the court may appoint a conservator of his or her person after considering the factors set forth in subsection (g) of this section.
10811093
10821094 (3) No conservator may be appointed if the respondent's personal needs and property management are being met adequately by an agency or individual appointed pursuant to section [1-43,] 19a-575a, 19a-577, 19a-580e or 19a-580g.
10831095
10841096 (g) When determining whether a conservator should be appointed the court shall consider the following factors: (1) The abilities of the respondent; (2) the respondent's capacity to understand and articulate an informed preference regarding the care of his or her person or the management of his or her affairs; (3) any relevant and material information obtained from the respondent; (4) evidence of the respondent's past preferences and life style choices; (5) the respondent's cultural background; (6) the desirability of maintaining continuity in the respondent's life and environment; (7) whether the respondent had previously made adequate alternative arrangements for the care of his or her person or for the management of his or her affairs, including, but not limited to, the execution of a durable power of attorney, springing power of attorney, the appointment of a health care representative or health care agent, the execution of a living will or trust or the execution of any other similar document; (8) any relevant and material evidence from the respondent's family and any other person regarding the respondent's past practices and preferences; and (9) any supportive services, technologies or other means that are available to assist the respondent in meeting his or her needs.
10851097
10861098 (h) The respondent or conserved person may appoint, designate or nominate a conservator pursuant to section 19a-580e, 19a-580g or 45a-645, or may, orally or in writing, nominate a conservator who shall be appointed unless the court finds that the appointee, designee or nominee is unwilling or unable to serve or there is substantial evidence to disqualify such person. If there is no such appointment, designation or nomination or if the court does not appoint the person appointed, designated or nominated by the respondent or conserved person, the court may appoint any qualified person, authorized public official or corporation in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 45a-644. In considering whom to appoint as conservator, the court shall consider (1) the extent to which a proposed conservator has knowledge of the respondent's or conserved person's preferences regarding the care of his or her person or the management of his or her affairs, (2) the ability of the proposed conservator to carry out the duties, responsibilities and powers of a conservator, (3) the cost of the proposed conservatorship to the estate of the respondent or conserved person, (4) the proposed conservator's commitment to promoting the respondent's or conserved person's welfare and independence, and (5) any existing or potential conflicts of interest of the proposed conservator.
10871099
10881100 (i) If the court appoints a conservator of the estate of the respondent, the court shall require a probate bond. The court may, if it considers it necessary for the protection of the respondent, require a bond of any conservator of the person appointed under this section.
10891101
10901102 (j) Absent the court's order to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of section 19a-580e, a conservator appointed pursuant to this section shall be bound by all health care decisions properly made by the conserved person's health care representative.
10911103
10921104 (k) In assigning the duties of a conservator under this section the court may, in accordance with section 8 of this act, limit, suspend or terminate the authority of an agent designated by the conserved person to act under a power of attorney.
10931105
10941106 [(k) A] (l) Except as provided in subsection (k) of this section, a conserved person and his agent under a power of attorney shall retain all rights and authority not expressly assigned to the conservator.
10951107
10961108 [(l)] (m) The court shall assign to a conservator appointed under this section only the duties and authority that are the least restrictive means of intervention necessary to meet the needs of the conserved person. The court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that such duties and authority restrict the decision-making authority of the conserved person only to the extent necessary to provide for the personal needs or property management of the conserved person. Such personal needs and property management shall be provided in a manner appropriate to the conserved person. The court shall make a finding of the clear and convincing evidence that supports the need for each duty and authority assigned to the conservator.
10971109
10981110 [(m)] (n) Nothing in this chapter shall impair, limit or diminish a conserved person's right to retain an attorney to represent such person or to seek redress of grievances in any court or administrative agency, including proceedings in the nature of habeas corpus arising out of any limitations imposed on the conserved person by court action taken under this chapter, chapter 319i, chapter 319j or section 45a-242. In any other proceeding in which the conservator has retained counsel for the conserved person, the conserved person may request the Court of Probate to direct the conservator to substitute an attorney chosen by the conserved person.
10991111
11001112 Sec. 50. Section 47-5 of the 2014 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
11011113
11021114 (a) All conveyances of land shall be: (1) In writing; (2) if the grantor is a natural person, subscribed, with or without a seal, by the grantor with his own hand or with his mark with his name annexed to it or by his [attorney] agent authorized for that purpose by a power executed, acknowledged and witnessed in the manner provided for conveyances or, if the grantor is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, subscribed by a duly authorized person; (3) acknowledged by the grantor, his [attorney] agent or such duly authorized person (A) to be his free act and deed, or (B) in any manner permitted under chapter 6 or chapter 8; and (4) attested to by two witnesses with their own hands.
11031115
11041116 (b) A document conveying land shall also include the current mailing address of the grantee.
11051117
11061118 (c) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the execution of a deed or other conveyance of real property pursuant to a power of attorney shall be deemed sufficient if done in substantially the following form:
11071119
11081120 Name of Owner of Record
11091121
11101122 By: (Signature of [Attorney-in-Fact] Agent) L.S.
11111123
11121124 Name of Signatory
11131125
11141126 His/Her [Attorney-in-Fact] Agent
11151127
11161128 (d) Nothing in subsection (c) of this section precludes the use of any other legal form of execution of deed or other conveyance of real property.
11171129
11181130 Sec. 51. Subsection (c) of section 19a-580f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2014):
11191131
11201132 (c) A power of attorney for health care decisions properly executed prior to October 1, 2006, shall have the same power and effect as provided under section 1-55, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2013, in effect at the time of its execution.
11211133
1122-Sec. 52. Sections 1-42 to 1-56, inclusive, of the general statutes and sections 1-56h to 1-56k, inclusive, of the general statutes are repealed. (Effective October 1, 2014)
1134+Sec. 52. Sections 1-42 to 1-56, inclusive, are repealed. (Effective October 1, 2014)
1135+
1136+Sec. 53. Sections 1-56h to 1-56k, inclusive, are repealed. (Effective October 1, 2014)
11231137
11241138
11251139
11261140
11271141 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
11281142 Section 1 October 1, 2014 New section
11291143 Sec. 2 October 1, 2014 New section
11301144 Sec. 3 October 1, 2014 New section
11311145 Sec. 4 October 1, 2014 New section
11321146 Sec. 5 October 1, 2014 New section
11331147 Sec. 6 October 1, 2014 New section
11341148 Sec. 7 October 1, 2014 New section
11351149 Sec. 8 October 1, 2014 New section
11361150 Sec. 9 October 1, 2014 New section
11371151 Sec. 10 October 1, 2014 New section
11381152 Sec. 11 October 1, 2014 New section
11391153 Sec. 12 October 1, 2014 New section
11401154 Sec. 13 October 1, 2014 New section
11411155 Sec. 14 October 1, 2014 New section
11421156 Sec. 15 October 1, 2014 New section
11431157 Sec. 16 October 1, 2014 New section
11441158 Sec. 17 October 1, 2014 New section
11451159 Sec. 18 October 1, 2014 New section
11461160 Sec. 19 October 1, 2014 New section
11471161 Sec. 20 October 1, 2014 New section
11481162 Sec. 21 October 1, 2014 New section
11491163 Sec. 22 October 1, 2014 New section
11501164 Sec. 23 October 1, 2014 New section
11511165 Sec. 24 October 1, 2014 New section
11521166 Sec. 25 October 1, 2014 New section
11531167 Sec. 26 October 1, 2014 New section
11541168 Sec. 27 October 1, 2014 New section
11551169 Sec. 28 October 1, 2014 New section
11561170 Sec. 29 October 1, 2014 New section
11571171 Sec. 30 October 1, 2014 New section
11581172 Sec. 31 October 1, 2014 New section
11591173 Sec. 32 October 1, 2014 New section
11601174 Sec. 33 October 1, 2014 New section
11611175 Sec. 34 October 1, 2014 New section
11621176 Sec. 35 October 1, 2014 New section
11631177 Sec. 36 October 1, 2014 New section
11641178 Sec. 37 October 1, 2014 New section
11651179 Sec. 38 October 1, 2014 New section
11661180 Sec. 39 October 1, 2014 New section
11671181 Sec. 40 October 1, 2014 New section
11681182 Sec. 41 October 1, 2014 New section
11691183 Sec. 42 October 1, 2014 New section
11701184 Sec. 43 October 1, 2014 New section
11711185 Sec. 44 October 1, 2014 New section
11721186 Sec. 45 October 1, 2014 New section
11731187 Sec. 46 October 1, 2014 45a-98(a)
11741188 Sec. 47 October 1, 2014 45a-175
11751189 Sec. 48 October 1, 2014 45a-645(b)
11761190 Sec. 49 October 1, 2014 45a-650
11771191 Sec. 50 October 1, 2014 47-5
11781192 Sec. 51 October 1, 2014 19a-580f(c)
11791193 Sec. 52 October 1, 2014 Repealer section
1194+Sec. 53 October 1, 2014 Repealer section
11801195
11811196 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
11821197
11831198 Section 1
11841199
11851200 October 1, 2014
11861201
11871202 New section
11881203
11891204 Sec. 2
11901205
11911206 October 1, 2014
11921207
11931208 New section
11941209
11951210 Sec. 3
11961211
11971212 October 1, 2014
11981213
11991214 New section
12001215
12011216 Sec. 4
12021217
12031218 October 1, 2014
12041219
12051220 New section
12061221
12071222 Sec. 5
12081223
12091224 October 1, 2014
12101225
12111226 New section
12121227
12131228 Sec. 6
12141229
12151230 October 1, 2014
12161231
12171232 New section
12181233
12191234 Sec. 7
12201235
12211236 October 1, 2014
12221237
12231238 New section
12241239
12251240 Sec. 8
12261241
12271242 October 1, 2014
12281243
12291244 New section
12301245
12311246 Sec. 9
12321247
12331248 October 1, 2014
12341249
12351250 New section
12361251
12371252 Sec. 10
12381253
12391254 October 1, 2014
12401255
12411256 New section
12421257
12431258 Sec. 11
12441259
12451260 October 1, 2014
12461261
12471262 New section
12481263
12491264 Sec. 12
12501265
12511266 October 1, 2014
12521267
12531268 New section
12541269
12551270 Sec. 13
12561271
12571272 October 1, 2014
12581273
12591274 New section
12601275
12611276 Sec. 14
12621277
12631278 October 1, 2014
12641279
12651280 New section
12661281
12671282 Sec. 15
12681283
12691284 October 1, 2014
12701285
12711286 New section
12721287
12731288 Sec. 16
12741289
12751290 October 1, 2014
12761291
12771292 New section
12781293
12791294 Sec. 17
12801295
12811296 October 1, 2014
12821297
12831298 New section
12841299
12851300 Sec. 18
12861301
12871302 October 1, 2014
12881303
12891304 New section
12901305
12911306 Sec. 19
12921307
12931308 October 1, 2014
12941309
12951310 New section
12961311
12971312 Sec. 20
12981313
12991314 October 1, 2014
13001315
13011316 New section
13021317
13031318 Sec. 21
13041319
13051320 October 1, 2014
13061321
13071322 New section
13081323
13091324 Sec. 22
13101325
13111326 October 1, 2014
13121327
13131328 New section
13141329
13151330 Sec. 23
13161331
13171332 October 1, 2014
13181333
13191334 New section
13201335
13211336 Sec. 24
13221337
13231338 October 1, 2014
13241339
13251340 New section
13261341
13271342 Sec. 25
13281343
13291344 October 1, 2014
13301345
13311346 New section
13321347
13331348 Sec. 26
13341349
13351350 October 1, 2014
13361351
13371352 New section
13381353
13391354 Sec. 27
13401355
13411356 October 1, 2014
13421357
13431358 New section
13441359
13451360 Sec. 28
13461361
13471362 October 1, 2014
13481363
13491364 New section
13501365
13511366 Sec. 29
13521367
13531368 October 1, 2014
13541369
13551370 New section
13561371
13571372 Sec. 30
13581373
13591374 October 1, 2014
13601375
13611376 New section
13621377
13631378 Sec. 31
13641379
13651380 October 1, 2014
13661381
13671382 New section
13681383
13691384 Sec. 32
13701385
13711386 October 1, 2014
13721387
13731388 New section
13741389
13751390 Sec. 33
13761391
13771392 October 1, 2014
13781393
13791394 New section
13801395
13811396 Sec. 34
13821397
13831398 October 1, 2014
13841399
13851400 New section
13861401
13871402 Sec. 35
13881403
13891404 October 1, 2014
13901405
13911406 New section
13921407
13931408 Sec. 36
13941409
13951410 October 1, 2014
13961411
13971412 New section
13981413
13991414 Sec. 37
14001415
14011416 October 1, 2014
14021417
14031418 New section
14041419
14051420 Sec. 38
14061421
14071422 October 1, 2014
14081423
14091424 New section
14101425
14111426 Sec. 39
14121427
14131428 October 1, 2014
14141429
14151430 New section
14161431
14171432 Sec. 40
14181433
14191434 October 1, 2014
14201435
14211436 New section
14221437
14231438 Sec. 41
14241439
14251440 October 1, 2014
14261441
14271442 New section
14281443
14291444 Sec. 42
14301445
14311446 October 1, 2014
14321447
14331448 New section
14341449
14351450 Sec. 43
14361451
14371452 October 1, 2014
14381453
14391454 New section
14401455
14411456 Sec. 44
14421457
14431458 October 1, 2014
14441459
14451460 New section
14461461
14471462 Sec. 45
14481463
14491464 October 1, 2014
14501465
14511466 New section
14521467
14531468 Sec. 46
14541469
14551470 October 1, 2014
14561471
14571472 45a-98(a)
14581473
14591474 Sec. 47
14601475
14611476 October 1, 2014
14621477
14631478 45a-175
14641479
14651480 Sec. 48
14661481
14671482 October 1, 2014
14681483
14691484 45a-645(b)
14701485
14711486 Sec. 49
14721487
14731488 October 1, 2014
14741489
14751490 45a-650
14761491
14771492 Sec. 50
14781493
14791494 October 1, 2014
14801495
14811496 47-5
14821497
14831498 Sec. 51
14841499
14851500 October 1, 2014
14861501
14871502 19a-580f(c)
14881503
14891504 Sec. 52
14901505
14911506 October 1, 2014
14921507
14931508 Repealer section
14941509
1495-Statement of Legislative Commissioners:
1510+Sec. 53
14961511
1497-In sections 1, 17, 36(b) and 44, references to "this act" were changed to "sections 1 to 45, inclusive, of this act" for accuracy. In section 24(c), "sections 26 to 38" was changed to "section 27 to 39" for accuracy. In section 27(7), two references to "them" were changed to "such stocks, bonds or other property" for clarity and sections 52 and 53 containing the repealer provisions were combined into section 52 for accuracy.
1512+October 1, 2014
14981513
1514+Repealer section
14991515
1516+Statement of Purpose:
15001517
1501-JUD Joint Favorable Subst. -LCO
1518+To adopt the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in this state.
15021519
1503-JUD
1504-
1505-Joint Favorable Subst. -LCO
1520+[Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.]