By: Thompson, S. H.B. No. 671
By____________________ __B. No.______
73R2420 CLG-D
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-1 AN ACT
1-2 relating to the adoption of the Durable Power of Attorney Act.
1-3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-4 SECTION 1. The Texas Probate Code is amended by adding
1-5 Chapter XII to read as follows:
1-6 CHAPTER XII. DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY ACT
1-7 Sec. 481. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the
1-8 Durable Power of Attorney Act.
1-9 Sec. 482. DEFINITION. A "durable power of attorney" means a
1-10 written instrument that:
1-11 (1) designates another person as attorney in fact or
1-12 agent;
1-13 (2) is signed by an adult principal;
1-14 (3) contains the words "This power of attorney is not
1-15 affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal,"
1-16 or "This power of attorney becomes effective on the disability or
1-17 incapacity of the principal," or similar words showing the
1-18 principal's intent that the authority conferred on the attorney in
1-19 fact or agent shall be exercised notwithstanding the principal's
1-20 subsequent disability or incapacity; and
1-21 (4) is acknowledged by the principal before an officer
1-22 authorized to take acknowledgments to deeds of conveyance and to
1-23 administer oaths under the laws of this state or any other state.
1-24 Sec. 483. DURATION. A durable power of attorney does not
2-1 lapse because of the passage of time unless the instrument creating
2-2 the power of attorney specifically states a time limitation.
2-3 Sec. 484. EFFECT OF ACTS BY ATTORNEY IN FACT OR AGENT DURING
2-4 INCAPACITY OF PRINCIPAL. All acts done by an attorney in fact or
2-5 agent pursuant to a durable power of attorney during any period of
2-6 disability or incapacity of the principal have the same effect and
2-7 inure to the benefit of and bind the principal and the principal's
2-8 successors in interest as if the principal were not disabled or
2-9 incapacitated.
2-10 Sec. 485. RELATION OF ATTORNEY IN FACT OR AGENT TO
2-11 COURT-APPOINTED GUARDIAN OF ESTATE. If, after execution of a
2-12 durable power of attorney, a court of the principal's domicile
2-13 appoints a guardian of the estate of the principal, the powers of
2-14 the attorney in fact or agent terminate on the qualification of the
2-15 guardian of the estate, and the attorney in fact or agent shall
2-16 deliver to the guardian of the estate all assets of the estate of
2-17 the ward in the attorney's or agent's possession and shall account
2-18 to the guardian of the estate as the attorney or agent would to the
2-19 principal had the principal terminated his powers.
2-20 Sec. 486. KNOWLEDGE OF DEATH, GUARDIAN OF ESTATE, OR
2-21 REVOCATION; GOOD-FAITH ACTS. The revocation by, the death of, or
2-22 the qualification of a guardian of the estate of a principal who
2-23 has executed a durable power of attorney does not revoke or
2-24 terminate the agency as to the attorney in fact, agent, or other
2-25 person who, without actual knowledge of the termination of the
2-26 power by revocation, by the principal's death, or by the
2-27 qualification of a guardian of the estate of the principal, acts in
3-1 good faith under or in reliance on the power. Any action so taken,
3-2 unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds successors in
3-3 interest of the principal.
3-4 Sec. 487. AFFIDAVIT OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OR TERMINATION OF
3-5 POWER; RECORDING. (a) As to acts undertaken in good-faith
3-6 reliance on the durable power of attorney, an affidavit executed by
3-7 the attorney in fact or agent under a durable power of attorney
3-8 stating that the attorney in fact or agent did not have at the time
3-9 of exercise of the power actual knowledge of the termination of the
3-10 power by revocation, by the principal's death, or by the
3-11 qualification of a guardian of the estate of the principal is
3-12 conclusive proof as between the attorney in fact or agent and a
3-13 person other than the principal or the principal's personal
3-14 representative dealing with the attorney in fact or agent of the
3-15 nonrevocation or nontermination of the power at that time.
3-16 (b) As to acts undertaken in good-faith reliance on the
3-17 durable power of attorney, an affidavit executed by the attorney in
3-18 fact or agent under a durable power of attorney stating that the
3-19 principal is disabled or incapacitated, as defined by the power, is
3-20 conclusive proof as between the attorney in fact or agent and a
3-21 person other than the principal or the principal's personal
3-22 representative dealing with the attorney in fact or agent of the
3-23 disability or incapacity of the principal at that time.
3-24 (c) If the exercise of the power of attorney requires
3-25 execution and delivery of any instrument that is to be recorded, an
3-26 affidavit executed under Subsection (a) or (b) of this section,
3-27 when authenticated for record, may also be recorded.
4-1 (d) This section does not affect any provision in a durable
4-2 power of attorney for its termination by expiration of time or
4-3 occurrence of an event other than express revocation.
4-4 Sec. 488. REVOCATION OF DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY. A
4-5 revocation of a durable power of attorney is not effective as to a
4-6 third party relying on the power of attorney until the third party
4-7 receives actual notice of the revocation.
4-8 Sec. 489. RECORDING DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR REAL
4-9 PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS. A durable power of attorney for a real
4-10 property transaction requiring the execution and delivery of an
4-11 instrument that is to be recorded, including a release, assignment,
4-12 satisfaction, mortgage, security agreement, deed of trust,
4-13 encumbrance, deed of conveyance, oil, gas, or other mineral lease,
4-14 memorandum of a lease, lien, or other claim or right to real
4-15 property shall be recorded in the office of the county clerk of the
4-16 county in which the property is located.
4-17 Sec. 490. STATUTORY DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY. (a) The
4-18 following form is known as a "statutory durable power of attorney."
4-19 A person may use a statutory durable power of attorney to grant an
4-20 attorney in fact or agent powers with respect to a person's
4-21 property and financial matters. A power of attorney in
4-22 substantially the following form has the meaning and effect
4-23 prescribed by this chapter. The validity of a power of attorney as
4-24 meeting the requirements of a statutory durable power of attorney
4-25 is not affected by the fact that one or more of the categories of
4-26 optional powers listed in the form are struck or the form includes
4-27 specific limitations on or additions to the attorney in fact's or
5-1 agent's powers.
5-2 When a power in substantially the form set forth in this
5-3 chapter is used, third parties who rely in good faith on the acts
5-4 of the agent within the scope of the power may do so without fear
5-5 of liability to the principal.
5-6 The following form is not exclusive, and other forms of power
5-7 of attorney may be used.
5-8 STATUTORY DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
5-9 NOTICE: THE POWERS GRANTED BY THIS DOCUMENT ARE BROAD AND
5-10 SWEEPING. THEY ARE EXPLAINED IN THE DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY ACT,
5-11 CHAPTER XII, TEXAS PROBATE CODE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT
5-12 THESE POWERS, OBTAIN COMPETENT LEGAL ADVICE. THIS DOCUMENT DOES
5-13 NOT AUTHORIZE ANYONE TO MAKE MEDICAL AND OTHER HEALTH-CARE
5-14 DECISIONS FOR YOU. YOU MAY REVOKE THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IF YOU
5-15 LATER WISH TO DO SO.
5-16 I, (insert your name and address),
5-17 appoint (insert the name and address of
5-18 the person appointed) as my agent (attorney-in-fact) to act for me
5-19 in any lawful way with respect to the following initialed subjects:
5-20 TO GRANT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING POWERS, INITIAL THE LINE IN
5-21 FRONT OF (N) AND IGNORE THE LINES IN FRONT OF THE OTHER POWERS.
5-22 TO GRANT ONE OR MORE, BUT FEWER THAN ALL, OF THE FOLLOWING
5-23 POWERS, INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF EACH POWER YOU ARE GRANTING.
5-24 TO WITHHOLD A POWER, DO NOT INITIAL THE LINE IN FRONT OF IT.
5-25 YOU MAY, BUT NEED NOT, CROSS OUT EACH POWER WITHHELD.
5-26 INITIAL
5-27 (A) real property transactions;
6-1 (B) tangible personal property transactions;
6-2 (C) stock and bond transactions;
6-3 (D) commodity and option transactions;
6-4 (E) banking and other financial institution
6-5 transactions;
6-6 (F) business operating transactions;
6-7 (G) insurance and annuity transactions;
6-8 (H) estate, trust, and other beneficiary transactions;
6-9 (I) claims and litigation;
6-10 (J) personal and family maintenance;
6-11 (K) benefits from social security, Medicare, Medicaid,
6-12 or other governmental programs or military service;
6-13 (L) retirement plan transactions;
6-14 (M) tax matters;
6-15 (N) ALL OF THE POWERS LISTED IN (A) THROUGH (M). YOU
6-16 NEED NOT INITIAL ANY OTHER LINES IF YOU INITIAL LINE
6-17 (N).
6-18 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
6-19 ON THE FOLLOWING LINES YOU MAY GIVE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
6-20 LIMITING OR EXTENDING THE POWERS GRANTED TO YOUR AGENT.
6-21 ___________________________________________________________________
6-22 ___________________________________________________________________
6-23 ___________________________________________________________________
6-24 ___________________________________________________________________
6-25 ___________________________________________________________________
6-26 ___________________________________________________________________
6-27 ___________________________________________________________________
7-1 ___________________________________________________________________
7-2 ___________________________________________________________________
7-3 ___________________________________________________________________
7-4 UNLESS YOU DIRECT OTHERWISE ABOVE, THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS
7-5 EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL IT IS REVOKED.
7-6 CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVES BY CROSSING OUT THE
7-7 ALTERNATIVE NOT CHOSEN:
7-8 (A) This power of attorney is not affected by my
7-9 subsequent disability or incapacity.
7-10 (B) This power of attorney becomes effective upon my
7-11 disability or incapacity.
7-12 YOU SHOULD CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE (A) IF THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY
7-13 IS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE IT IS EXECUTED.
7-14 IF NEITHER (A) NOR (B) IS CROSSED OUT, IT WILL BE ASSUMED
7-15 THAT YOU CHOSE ALTERNATIVE (A).
7-16 I agree that any third party who receives a copy of this
7-17 document may act under it. Revocation of the durable power of
7-18 attorney is not effective as to a third party until the third party
7-19 receives actual notice of the revocation. I agree to indemnify the
7-20 third party for any claims that arise against the third party
7-21 because of reliance on this power of attorney.
7-22 If any agent named by me dies, becomes legally disabled,
7-23 resigns, or refuses to act, I name the following (each to act alone
7-24 and successively, in the order named) as successor(s) to that
7-25 agent: .
7-26 Signed this ____________ day of ______________________, 19___
7-27 __________________________________
8-1 (your signature)
8-2 State of ____________________
8-3 County of ___________________
8-4 This document was acknowledged before me on
8-5 _______________________ (date) by _________________________________
8-6 (name of principal)
8-7 _________________________________
8-8 (signature of notarial officer)
8-9 (Seal, if any, of
8-10 notary) _________________________________
8-11 (printed name)
8-12 My commission expires: _________
8-13 THE ATTORNEY IN FACT OR AGENT, BY ACCEPTING OR ACTING UNDER
8-14 THE APPOINTMENT, ASSUMES THE FIDUCIARY AND OTHER LEGAL
8-15 RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN AGENT.
8-16 (b) A statutory durable power of attorney is legally
8-17 sufficient under this chapter if the wording of the form complies
8-18 substantially with Subsection (a) of this section, the form is
8-19 properly completed, and the signature of the principal is
8-20 acknowledged.
8-21 (c) If the line in front of (N) of the form under Subsection
8-22 (a) of this section is initialed, an initial on the line in front
8-23 of any other power does not limit the powers granted by line (N).
8-24 Sec. 491. CONSTRUCTION OF POWERS GENERALLY. The principal,
8-25 by executing a statutory durable power of attorney that confers
8-26 authority with respect to any class of transactions, empowers the
8-27 attorney in fact or agent for that class of transactions to:
9-1 (1) demand, receive, and obtain by litigation, action,
9-2 or otherwise any money or other thing of value to which the
9-3 principal is, may become, or may claim to be entitled;
9-4 (2) conserve, invest, disburse, or use any money or
9-5 other thing of value received on behalf of the principal for the
9-6 purposes intended;
9-7 (3) contract in any manner with any person, on terms
9-8 agreeable to the attorney in fact or agent, to accomplish a purpose
9-9 of a transaction, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify
9-10 the contract or another contract made by or on behalf of the
9-11 principal;
9-12 (4) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver a deed,
9-13 revocation, mortgage, lease, notice, check, release, or other
9-14 instrument the agent considers desirable to accomplish a purpose of
9-15 a transaction;
9-16 (5) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle,
9-17 and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing
9-18 in favor of or against the principal or intervene in an action or
9-19 litigation relating to the claim;
9-20 (6) seek on the principal's behalf the assistance of a
9-21 court to carry out an act authorized by the power of attorney;
9-22 (7) engage, compensate, and discharge an attorney,
9-23 accountant, expert witness, or other assistant;
9-24 (8) keep appropriate records of each transaction,
9-25 including an accounting of receipts and disbursements;
9-26 (9) prepare, execute, and file a record, report, or
9-27 other document the attorney in fact or agent considers necessary or
10-1 desirable to safeguard or promote the principal's interest under a
10-2 statute or governmental regulation;
10-3 (10) reimburse the attorney in fact or agent for
10-4 expenditures made in exercising the powers granted by the durable
10-5 power of attorney; and
10-6 (11) in general, do any other lawful act that the
10-7 principal may do with respect to a transaction.
10-8 Sec. 492. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
10-9 TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
10-10 language conferring authority with respect to real property
10-11 transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
10-12 (1) accept as a gift or as security for a loan or
10-13 reject, demand, buy, lease, receive, or otherwise acquire an
10-14 interest in real property or a right incident to real property;
10-15 (2) sell, exchange, convey with or without covenants,
10-16 quitclaim, release, surrender, mortgage, encumber, partition,
10-17 consent to partitioning, subdivide, apply for zoning, rezoning, or
10-18 other governmental permits, plat or consent to platting, develop,
10-19 grant options concerning, lease or sublet, or otherwise dispose of
10-20 an estate or interest in real property or a right incident to real
10-21 property;
10-22 (3) release, assign, satisfy, and enforce by
10-23 litigation, action, or otherwise a mortgage, deed of trust,
10-24 encumbrance, lien, or other claim to real property that exists or
10-25 is claimed to exist;
10-26 (4) do any act of management or of conservation with
10-27 respect to an interest in real property, or a right incident to
11-1 real property, owned or claimed to be owned by the principal,
11-2 including power to:
11-3 (A) insure against a casualty, liability, or
11-4 loss;
11-5 (B) obtain or regain possession or protect the
11-6 interest or right by litigation, action, or otherwise;
11-7 (C) pay, compromise, or contest taxes or
11-8 assessments, or apply for and receive refunds in connection with
11-9 them; and
11-10 (D) purchase supplies, hire assistance or labor,
11-11 or make repairs or alterations in the real property;
11-12 (5) use, develop, alter, replace, remove, erect, or
11-13 install structures or other improvements on real property in which
11-14 the principal has, or claims to have, an estate, interest, or
11-15 right;
11-16 (6) participate in a reorganization with respect to
11-17 real property or a legal entity that owns an interest in or right
11-18 incident to real property and receive and hold shares of stock or
11-19 obligations received in a plan or reorganization, and act with
11-20 respect to the shares or obligations, including:
11-21 (A) selling or otherwise disposing of the shares
11-22 or obligations;
11-23 (B) exercising or selling an option, conversion,
11-24 or similar right with respect to the shares or obligations; and
11-25 (C) voting the shares or obligations in person
11-26 or by proxy;
11-27 (7) change the form of title of an interest in or
12-1 right incident to real property; and
12-2 (8) dedicate easements or other real property in which
12-3 the principal has, or claims to have, an interest to public use,
12-4 with or without consideration.
12-5 Sec. 493. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO TANGIBLE
12-6 PERSONAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of
12-7 attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to
12-8 tangible personal property transactions empowers the attorney in
12-9 fact or agent to:
12-10 (1) accept as a gift or as security for a loan,
12-11 reject, demand, buy, receive, or otherwise acquire ownership or
12-12 possession of tangible personal property or an interest in tangible
12-13 personal property;
12-14 (2) sell, exchange, convey with or without covenants,
12-15 release, surrender, mortgage, encumber, pledge, hypothecate, create
12-16 a security interest in, pawn, grant options concerning, lease or
12-17 sublet to others, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal
12-18 property or an interest in tangible personal property;
12-19 (3) release, assign, satisfy, or enforce by
12-20 litigation, action, or otherwise a mortgage, security interest,
12-21 encumbrance, lien, or other claim on behalf of the principal, with
12-22 respect to tangible personal property or an interest in tangible
12-23 personal property; and
12-24 (4) do an act of management or conservation with
12-25 respect to tangible personal property or an interest in tangible
12-26 personal property on behalf of the principal, including:
12-27 (A) insuring against casualty, liability, or
13-1 loss;
13-2 (B) obtaining or regaining possession or
13-3 protecting the property or interest by litigation, action, or
13-4 otherwise;
13-5 (C) paying, compromising, or contesting taxes or
13-6 assessments or applying for and receiving refunds in connection
13-7 with taxes or assessments;
13-8 (D) moving from place to place;
13-9 (E) storing for hire or on a gratuitous
13-10 bailment; and
13-11 (F) using, altering, and making repairs or
13-12 alterations.
13-13 Sec. 494. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO STOCK AND BOND
13-14 TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
13-15 language conferring authority with respect to stock and bond
13-16 transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to buy, sell,
13-17 and exchange stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and all other types of
13-18 securities and financial instruments other than commodity futures
13-19 contracts and call and put options on stocks and stock indexes,
13-20 receive certificates and other evidences of ownership with respect
13-21 to securities, exercise voting rights with respect to securities in
13-22 person or by proxy, enter into voting trusts, and consent to
13-23 limitations on the right to vote.
13-24 Sec. 495. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO COMMODITY AND
13-25 OPTION TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
13-26 language conferring authority with respect to commodity and option
13-27 transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to buy, sell,
14-1 exchange, assign, settle, and exercise commodity futures contracts
14-2 and call and put options on stocks and stock indexes traded on a
14-3 regulated options exchange, and establish, continue, modify, or
14-4 terminate option accounts with a broker.
14-5 Sec. 496. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO BANKING AND
14-6 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable
14-7 power of attorney, the language conferring authority with respect
14-8 to banking and other financial institution transactions empowers
14-9 the attorney in fact or agent to:
14-10 (1) continue, modify, or terminate an account or other
14-11 banking arrangement made by or on behalf of the principal;
14-12 (2) establish, modify, or terminate an account or
14-13 other banking arrangement with a bank, trust company, savings and
14-14 loan association, credit union, thrift company, brokerage firm, or
14-15 other financial institution selected by the attorney in fact or
14-16 agent;
14-17 (3) hire a safe deposit box or space in a vault;
14-18 (4) contract to procure other services available from
14-19 a financial institution as the attorney in fact or agent considers
14-20 desirable;
14-21 (5) withdraw by check, order, or otherwise money or
14-22 property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of
14-23 a financial institution;
14-24 (6) receive bank statements, vouchers, notices, or
14-25 similar documents from a financial institution and act with respect
14-26 to them;
14-27 (7) enter a safe deposit box or vault and withdraw or
15-1 add to the contents;
15-2 (8) borrow money at an interest rate agreeable to the
15-3 attorney in fact or agent and pledge as security personal property
15-4 of the principal necessary to borrow, pay, renew, or extend the
15-5 time of payment of a debt of the principal;
15-6 (9) make, assign, draw, endorse, discount, guarantee,
15-7 and negotiate promissory notes, bills of exchange, checks, drafts,
15-8 or other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal, or
15-9 payable to the principal or the principal's order, to receive the
15-10 cash or other proceeds of those transactions, to accept a draft
15-11 drawn by a person on the principal, and pay the principal when due;
15-12 (10) receive for the principal and act on a sight
15-13 draft, warehouse receipt, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable
15-14 instrument;
15-15 (11) apply for and receive letters of credit, credit
15-16 cards, and traveler's checks from a financial institution and give
15-17 an indemnity or other agreement in connection with letters of
15-18 credit; and
15-19 (12) consent to an extension of the time of payment
15-20 with respect to commercial paper or a financial transaction with a
15-21 financial institution.
15-22 Sec. 497. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO BUSINESS
15-23 OPERATING TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney,
15-24 the language conferring authority with respect to business
15-25 operating transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
15-26 (1) operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce, or terminate
15-27 a business interest;
16-1 (2) to the extent that an agent is permitted by law to
16-2 act for a principal and subject to the terms of the partnership
16-3 agreement:
16-4 (A) perform a duty or discharge a liability or
16-5 exercise a right, power, privilege, or option that the principal
16-6 has, may have, or claims to have, under a partnership agreement,
16-7 whether or not the principal is a general or limited partner;
16-8 (B) enforce the terms of a partnership agreement
16-9 by litigation, action, or otherwise; and
16-10 (C) defend, submit to arbitration, settle, or
16-11 compromise litigation or an action to which the principal is a
16-12 party because of membership in the partnership;
16-13 (3) exercise in person or by proxy or enforce by
16-14 litigation, action, or otherwise a right, power, privilege, or
16-15 option the principal has or claims to have as the holder of a bond,
16-16 share, or other instrument of similar character and defend, submit
16-17 to arbitration, settle, or compromise a legal proceeding to which
16-18 the principal is a party because of a bond, share, or similar
16-19 instrument;
16-20 (4) with respect to a business owned solely by the
16-21 principal:
16-22 (A) continue, modify, renegotiate, extend, and
16-23 terminate a contract made with an individual or a legal entity,
16-24 firm, association, or corporation by or on behalf of the principal
16-25 with respect to the business before execution of the power of
16-26 attorney;
16-27 (B) determine:
17-1 (i) the location of its operation;
17-2 (ii) the nature and extent of its
17-3 business;
17-4 (iii) the methods of manufacturing,
17-5 selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising
17-6 employed in its operation;
17-7 (iv) the amount and types of insurance
17-8 carried; and
17-9 (v) the mode of engaging, compensating,
17-10 and dealing with its accountants, attorneys, and other agents and
17-11 employees;
17-12 (C) change the name or form of organization
17-13 under which the business is operated and enter into a partnership
17-14 agreement with other persons or organize a corporation to take over
17-15 all or part of the operation of the business; and
17-16 (D) demand and receive money due or claimed by
17-17 the principal or on the principal's behalf in the operation of the
17-18 business and control and disburse the money in the operation of the
17-19 business;
17-20 (5) put additional capital into a business in which
17-21 the principal has an interest;
17-22 (6) join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation,
17-23 or merger of the business;
17-24 (7) sell or liquidate a business or part of it at the
17-25 time and on the terms that the attorney in fact or agent considers
17-26 desirable;
17-27 (8) establish the value of a business under a buy-out
18-1 agreement to which the principal is a party;
18-2 (9) prepare, sign, file, and deliver reports,
18-3 compilations of information, returns, or other papers with respect
18-4 to a business that are required by a governmental agency,
18-5 department, or instrumentality or that the attorney in fact or
18-6 agent considers desirable and make related payments; and
18-7 (10) pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments
18-8 and do any other act that the attorney in fact or agent considers
18-9 desirable to protect the principal from illegal or unnecessary
18-10 taxation, fines, penalties, or assessments with respect to a
18-11 business, including attempts to recover, in any manner permitted by
18-12 law, money paid before or after the execution of the power of
18-13 attorney.
18-14 Sec. 498. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO INSURANCE
18-15 TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
18-16 language conferring authority with respect to insurance and annuity
18-17 transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
18-18 (1) continue, pay the premium or assessment on,
18-19 modify, rescind, release, or terminate a contract procured by or on
18-20 behalf of the principal that insures or provides an annuity to
18-21 either the principal or another person, whether or not the
18-22 principal is a beneficiary under the contract;
18-23 (2) procure new, different, or additional contracts of
18-24 insurance and annuities for the principal or the principal's
18-25 spouse, children, and other dependents and select the amount, type
18-26 of insurance or annuity, and mode of payment;
18-27 (3) pay the premium or assessment on or modify,
19-1 rescind, release, or terminate a contract of insurance or annuity
19-2 procured by the attorney in fact or agent;
19-3 (4) designate the beneficiary of the contract, except
19-4 that an attorney in fact or agent may be named a beneficiary of the
19-5 contract or an extension, renewal, or substitute for the contract
19-6 only to the extent the attorney in fact or agent was named as a
19-7 beneficiary under a contract procured by the principal before
19-8 executing the power of attorney;
19-9 (5) apply for and receive a loan on the security of
19-10 the contract of insurance or annuity;
19-11 (6) surrender and receive the cash surrender value;
19-12 (7) exercise an election;
19-13 (8) change the manner of paying premiums;
19-14 (9) change or convert the type of insurance contract
19-15 or annuity with respect to which the principal has or claims to
19-16 have a power described in this section;
19-17 (10) change the beneficiary of a contract of insurance
19-18 or annuity, except that the attorney in fact or agent may be
19-19 designated a beneficiary only to the extent authorized by
19-20 Subdivision (4) of this section;
19-21 (11) apply for and procure government aid to guarantee
19-22 or pay premiums of a contract of insurance on the life of the
19-23 principal;
19-24 (12) collect, sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow on, or
19-25 pledge the interest of the principal in a contract of insurance or
19-26 annuity; and
19-27 (13) pay from proceeds or otherwise, compromise or
20-1 contest, or apply for refunds in connection with a tax or
20-2 assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a contract
20-3 of insurance or annuity or its proceeds or liability accruing
20-4 because of the tax or assessment.
20-5 Sec. 499. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO ESTATE, TRUST,
20-6 AND OTHER BENEFICIARY TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power
20-7 of attorney, the language conferring authority with respect to
20-8 estate, trust, and other beneficiary transactions empowers the
20-9 attorney in fact or agent to act for the principal in all matters
20-10 that affect a trust, probate estate, guardianship, conservatorship,
20-11 escrow, custodianship, or other fund from which the principal is,
20-12 may become, or claims to be entitled, as a beneficiary, to a share
20-13 or payment, including to:
20-14 (1) accept, reject, disclaim, receive, receipt for,
20-15 sell, assign, release, pledge, exchange, or consent to a reduction
20-16 in or modification of a share in or payment from the fund;
20-17 (2) demand or obtain by litigation, action, or
20-18 otherwise money or any other thing of value to which the principal
20-19 is, may become, or claims to be entitled because of the fund;
20-20 (3) initiate, participate in, or oppose a legal or
20-21 judicial proceeding to ascertain the meaning, validity, or effect
20-22 of a deed, will, declaration of trust, or other instrument or
20-23 transaction affecting the interest of the principal;
20-24 (4) initiate, participate in, or oppose a legal or
20-25 judicial proceeding to remove, substitute, or surcharge a
20-26 fiduciary;
20-27 (5) conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything
21-1 received for an authorized purpose; and
21-2 (6) transfer all or part of an interest of the
21-3 principal in real property, stocks, bonds, accounts with financial
21-4 institutions, insurance, and other property to the trustee of a
21-5 revocable trust created by the principal as settlor.
21-6 Sec. 500. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO CLAIMS AND
21-7 LITIGATION. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the language
21-8 conferring general authority with respect to claims and litigation
21-9 empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
21-10 (1) assert and prosecute before a court or
21-11 administrative agency a claim, a claim for relief, a counterclaim,
21-12 or an offset, or defend against an individual, a legal entity, or a
21-13 government, including suits to recover property or other thing of
21-14 value, to recover damages sustained by the principal, to eliminate
21-15 or modify tax liability, or to seek an injunction, specific
21-16 performance, or other relief;
21-17 (2) bring an action to determine adverse claims,
21-18 intervene in an action or litigation, and act as amicus curiae;
21-19 (3) in connection with an action or litigation,
21-20 procure an attachment, garnishment, libel, order of arrest, or
21-21 other preliminary, provisional, or intermediate relief and use an
21-22 available procedure to effect or satisfy a judgment, order, or
21-23 decree;
21-24 (4) in connection with an action or litigation,
21-25 perform any lawful act the principal could perform, including
21-26 acceptance of tender, offer of judgment, admission of facts,
21-27 submission of a controversy on an agreed statement of facts,
22-1 consent to examination before trial, and binding of the principal
22-2 in litigation;
22-3 (5) submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or
22-4 accept a compromise with respect to a claim or litigation;
22-5 (6) waive the issuance and service of process on the
22-6 principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal,
22-7 designate persons on whom process directed to the principal may be
22-8 served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal's
22-9 behalf, verify pleadings, seek appellate review, procure and give
22-10 surety and indemnity bonds, contract and pay for the preparation
22-11 and printing of records and briefs, receive and execute and file or
22-12 deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment,
22-13 satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement, or other instrument in
22-14 connection with the prosecution, settlement, or defense of a claim
22-15 or litigation;
22-16 (7) act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy
22-17 or insolvency proceedings, whether voluntary or involuntary,
22-18 concerning the principal or some other person, with respect to a
22-19 reorganization proceeding or a receivership or application for the
22-20 appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest of
22-21 the principal in real or personal property or other thing of value;
22-22 and
22-23 (8) pay a judgment against the principal or a
22-24 settlement made in connection with a claim or litigation and
22-25 receive and conserve money or other thing of value paid in
22-26 settlement of or as proceeds of a claim or litigation.
22-27 Sec. 501. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO PERSONAL AND
23-1 FAMILY MAINTENANCE. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
23-2 language conferring authority with respect to personal and family
23-3 maintenance empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
23-4 (1) perform the acts necessary to maintain the
23-5 customary standard of living of the principal, the principal's
23-6 spouse and children, and other individuals customarily or legally
23-7 entitled to be supported by the principal, including providing
23-8 living quarters by purchase, lease, or other contract, or paying
23-9 the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments,
23-10 repairs, and taxes on premises owned by the principal and occupied
23-11 by those individuals;
23-12 (2) provide for the individuals described by
23-13 Subdivision (1) of this section normal domestic help, usual
23-14 vacations and travel expenses, and funds for shelter, clothing,
23-15 food, appropriate education, and other current living costs;
23-16 (3) pay necessary medical, dental, and surgical care,
23-17 hospitalization, and custodial care for the individuals described
23-18 by Subdivision (1) of this section;
23-19 (4) continue any provision made by the principal, for
23-20 the individuals described by Subdivision (1) of this section, for
23-21 automobiles or other means of transportation, including
23-22 registering, licensing, insuring, and replacing the automobiles or
23-23 other means of transportation;
23-24 (5) maintain or open charge accounts for the
23-25 convenience of the individuals described by Subdivision (1) of this
23-26 section and open new accounts the attorney in fact or agent
23-27 considers desirable to accomplish a lawful purpose; and
24-1 (6) continue payments incidental to the membership or
24-2 affiliation of the principal in a church, club, society, order, or
24-3 other organization or to continue contributions to those
24-4 organizations.
24-5 Sec. 502. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO BENEFITS FROM
24-6 CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR CIVIL OR MILITARY SERVICE. In a
24-7 statutory durable power of attorney, the language conferring
24-8 authority with respect to benefits from social security, Medicare,
24-9 Medicaid, or other governmental programs or civil or military
24-10 service empowers the attorney in fact or agent to:
24-11 (1) execute vouchers in the name of the principal for
24-12 allowances and reimbursements payable by the United States, a
24-13 foreign government, or a state or subdivision of a state to the
24-14 principal, including allowances and reimbursements for
24-15 transportation of the individuals described by Section 501(1) of
24-16 this code, and for shipment of their household effects;
24-17 (2) take possession and order the removal and shipment
24-18 of property of the principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock,
24-19 or other place of storage or safekeeping, either governmental or
24-20 private, and execute and deliver a release, voucher, receipt, bill
24-21 of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or other instrument for
24-22 that purpose;
24-23 (3) prepare, file, and prosecute a claim of the
24-24 principal to a benefit or assistance, financial or otherwise, to
24-25 which the principal claims to be entitled, under a statute or
24-26 governmental regulation;
24-27 (4) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle,
25-1 and propose or accept a compromise with respect to any benefits the
25-2 principal may be entitled to receive; and
25-3 (5) receive the financial proceeds of a claim of the
25-4 type described in this section and conserve, invest, disburse, or
25-5 use anything received for a lawful purpose.
25-6 Sec. 503. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO RETIREMENT PLAN
25-7 TRANSACTIONS. In a statutory durable power of attorney, the
25-8 language conferring authority with respect to retirement plan
25-9 transactions empowers the attorney in fact or agent to do any
25-10 lawful act the principal may do with respect to a transaction
25-11 relating to a retirement plan, including to:
25-12 (1) apply for service or disability retirement
25-13 benefits;
25-14 (2) select payment options under any retirement plan
25-15 in which the principal participates, including plans for
25-16 self-employed individuals;
25-17 (3) designate or change the designation of a
25-18 beneficiary or benefits payable by a retirement plan, except that
25-19 an attorney in fact or agent may be named a beneficiary only to the
25-20 extent the attorney in fact or agent was a named beneficiary under
25-21 the retirement plan before the durable power of attorney was
25-22 executed;
25-23 (4) make voluntary contributions to retirement plans
25-24 if authorized by the plan;
25-25 (5) exercise the investment powers available under any
25-26 self-directed retirement plan;
25-27 (6) make "rollovers" of plan benefits into other
26-1 retirement plans;
26-2 (7) borrow from, sell assets to, and purchase assets
26-3 from retirement plans if authorized by the plan;
26-4 (8) waive the right of the principal to be a
26-5 beneficiary of a joint or survivor annuity if the principal is a
26-6 spouse who is not employed;
26-7 (9) receive, endorse, and cash payments from a
26-8 retirement plan;
26-9 (10) waive the right of the principal to receive all
26-10 or a portion of benefits payable by a retirement plan; and
26-11 (11) request and receive information relating to the
26-12 principal from retirement plan records.
26-13 Sec. 504. CONSTRUCTION OF POWER RELATING TO TAX MATTERS. In
26-14 a statutory durable power of attorney, the language conferring
26-15 authority with respect to tax matters empowers the attorney in fact
26-16 or agent to:
26-17 (1) prepare, sign, and file federal, state, local, and
26-18 foreign income, gift, payroll, Federal Insurance Contributions Act,
26-19 and other tax returns, claims for refunds, requests for extension
26-20 of time, petitions regarding tax matters, and any other tax-related
26-21 documents, including receipts, offers, waivers, consents, including
26-22 consents and agreements under Section 2032A, Internal Revenue Code
26-23 of 1986, closing agreements, and any power of attorney form
26-24 required by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority
26-25 with respect to a tax year on which the statute of limitations has
26-26 not run and 25 tax years following that tax year;
26-27 (2) pay taxes due, collect refunds, post bonds,
27-1 receive confidential information, and contest deficiencies
27-2 determined by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing
27-3 authority;
27-4 (3) exercise any election available to the principal
27-5 under federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; and
27-6 (4) act for the principal in all tax matters for all
27-7 periods before the Internal Revenue Service and any other taxing
27-8 authority.
27-9 Sec. 505. EXISTING INTEREST; FOREIGN INTERESTS. The powers
27-10 described in Sections 492 through 504 of this code may be exercised
27-11 equally with respect to an interest the principal has at the time
27-12 the durable power of attorney is executed or acquires later,
27-13 whether or not the property is located in this state and whether or
27-14 not the powers are exercised or the durable power of attorney is
27-15 executed in this state.
27-16 Sec. 506. UNIFORMITY OF APPLICATION AND CONSTRUCTION. This
27-17 chapter shall be applied and construed to effect its general
27-18 purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this
27-19 chapter among states enacting it.
27-20 SECTION 2. Section 36A, Probate Code, is repealed. A power
27-21 of attorney executed in compliance with that section before the
27-22 effective date of this Act is valid according to the terms of that
27-23 section as it existed at the time of the execution, and that
27-24 section is continued in effect for that purpose.
27-25 SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 1993.
27-26 SECTION 4. The importance of this legislation and the
27-27 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
28-1 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
28-2 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
28-3 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.