By: Rodriguez S.R. No. 1254
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
  Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, That Senate Rule 12.03 be
  suspended in part as provided by Senate Rule 12.08 to enable the
  conference committee appointed to resolve the differences on
  Senate Bill 1198 (decedents' estates) to consider and take action
  on the following matters:
         (1)  Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the
  committee to add text on matters which are not included in either
  the house or senate version of the bill by adding the following
  sections to the bill:
         SECTION 1.08.  Section 34A, Texas Probate Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 34A.  ATTORNEYS AD LITEM. (a) Except as provided by
  Section 53(c) of this code, the judge of a probate court may
  appoint an attorney ad litem in any probate proceeding to
  represent the interests of:
               (1)  a person having a legal disability;
               (2)  [,] a nonresident;
               (3)  [,] an unborn or unascertained person;
               (4)  [, or] an unknown or missing heir; or
               (5)  an unknown or missing person entitled to
  property deposited in an account in the court's registry under
  Section 408(b) of this code [in any probate proceeding].
         (b)  Subject to Subsection (c) of this section, an [Each]
  attorney ad litem appointed under this section is entitled to
  reasonable compensation for services in the amount set by the
  court. The court shall:
               (1)  tax the compensation [and to be taxed] as costs
  in the probate proceeding; or
               (2)  for an attorney ad litem appointed to represent
  the interests of an unknown or missing person described by
  Subsection (a)(5) of this section, order that the compensation be
  paid from money in the account described by that subdivision.
         (c)  The court order appointing an attorney ad litem to
  represent the interests of an unknown or missing person described
  by Subsection (a)(5) of this section must require the attorney ad
  litem to conduct a search for the person. Compensation paid
  under Subsection (b) of this section to the attorney ad litem may
  not exceed 10 percent of the amount on deposit in the account
  described by Subsection (a)(5) of this section on the date:
               (1)  the attorney ad litem reports to the court the
  location of the previously unknown or missing person; or
               (2)  the money in the account is paid to the
  comptroller as provided by Section 427 of this code.
         SECTION 1.13.  Subsections (a) and (b), Section 53C,
  Texas Probate Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  This section applies in a proceeding to declare
  heirship of a decedent only with respect to an individual who[:
               [(1)     petitions the court for a determination of
  right of inheritance as authorized by Section 42(b) of this code;
  and
               [(2)]  claims to be a biological child of the
  decedent[, but with respect to whom a parent-child relationship
  with the decedent was not established as provided by Section
  160.201, Family Code,] or [who] claims inheritance through a
  biological child of the decedent[, if a parent-child
  relationship between the individual through whom the inheritance
  is claimed and the decedent was not established as provided by
  Section 160.201, Family Code].
         (b)  The presumption under Section 160.505, Family Code,
  that applies in establishing a parent-child relationship also
  applies in determining heirship in the probate court using the
  results of genetic testing ordered with respect to an individual
  described by Subsection (a) of this section, and the presumption
  may be rebutted in the same manner provided by Section 160.505,
  Family Code. [Unless the results of genetic testing of another
  individual who is an heir of the decedent are admitted as
  rebuttal evidence, the court shall find that the individual
  described by Subsection (a) of this section is an heir of the
  decedent if the results of genetic testing ordered under Section
  53A of this chapter identify a tested individual who is an heir of
  the decedent as the ancestor of the individual described by
  Subsection (a) of this section.]
         SECTION 1.17.  Section 77, Texas Probate Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 77.  ORDER OF PERSONS QUALIFIED TO SERVE. Letters
  testamentary or of administration shall be granted to persons who
  are qualified to act, in the following order:
         (a)  To the person named as executor in the will of the
  deceased.
         (b)  To the surviving husband or wife.
         (c)  To the principal devisee or legatee of the testator.
         (d)  To any devisee or legatee of the testator.
         (e)  To the next of kin of the deceased, the nearest in
  order of descent first, and so on, and next of kin includes a
  person and his descendants who legally adopted the deceased or
  who have been legally adopted by the deceased.
         (f)  To a creditor of the deceased.
         (g)  To any person of good character residing in the
  county who applies therefor.
         (h)  To any other person not disqualified under the
  following section [Section]. When persons [applicants] are
  equally entitled, letters shall be granted to the person
  [applicant] who, in the judgment of the court, is most likely to
  administer the estate advantageously, or letters [they] may be
  granted to [any] two or more of those persons [such applicants].
         SECTION 1.32.  Part 1, Chapter VIII, Texas Probate Code,
  is amended by adding Section 254 to read as follows:
         Sec. 254.  PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE INVENTORY,
  APPRAISEMENT, AND LIST OF CLAIMS OR AFFIDAVIT IN LIEU OF. (a)  
  This section applies only to a personal representative,
  including an independent executor or administrator, who does not
  file an inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit
  in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, within the period prescribed by Section 250 of this
  code or any extension granted by the court.
         (b)  Any person interested in the estate on written
  complaint, or the court on the court's own motion, may have a
  personal representative to whom this section applies cited to
  file the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit
  in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, and show cause for the failure to timely file.
         (c)  If the personal representative does not file the
  inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit in lieu
  of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, after being cited or does not show good cause for the
  failure to timely file, the court on hearing may fine the
  representative in an amount not to exceed $1,000.
         (d)  The personal representative and the representative's
  sureties, if any, are liable for any fine imposed under this
  section and for all damages and costs sustained by the
  representative's failure. The fine, damages, and costs may be
  recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
         SECTION 1.40.  Section 407, Texas Probate Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 407.  CITATION AND NOTICE UPON PRESENTATION OF
  ACCOUNT FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT. Upon the filing of an account for
  final settlement by temporary or permanent personal
  representatives of the estates of decedents, citation shall
  contain a statement that such final account has been filed, the
  time and place when it will be considered by the court, and a
  statement requiring the person or persons cited to appear and
  contest the same if they see proper. Such citation shall be
  issued by the county clerk to the persons and in the manner set
  out below.
               1.  Citation [In case of the estates of deceased
  persons, notice] shall be given [by the personal representative]
  to each heir or beneficiary of the decedent by certified mail,
  return receipt requested, unless another method of service [type
  of notice] is directed by the court by written order. The
  citation [notice] must include a copy of the account for final
  settlement.
               2.  If the court deems further additional notice
  necessary, it shall require the same by written order. In its
  discretion, the court may allow the waiver of citation [notice]
  of an account for final settlement in a proceeding concerning a
  decedent's estate.
         SECTION 1.41.  Subsections (b), (c), and (d), Section
  408, Texas Probate Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Distribution of Remaining Property. Upon final
  settlement of an estate, if there be any of such estate remaining
  in the hands of the personal representative, the court shall
  order that a partition and distribution be made among the persons
  entitled to receive such estate. The court shall order the
  representative to deposit in an account in the court's registry
  any remaining estate property that is money and to which a person
  who is unknown or missing is entitled. In addition, the court
  shall order the representative to sell, on terms the court
  determines are best, remaining estate property that is not money
  and to which a person who is unknown or missing is entitled.  The
  court shall order the representative to deposit the sale proceeds
  in an account in the court's registry. The court shall hold money
  deposited in an account under this subsection until the court
  renders:
               (1)  an order requiring money in the account to be
  paid to the previously unknown or missing person who is entitled
  to the money; or
               (2)  another order regarding the disposition of the
  money.
         (c)  Discharge of Representative When No Property
  Remains.  If, upon such settlement, there be none of the estate
  remaining in the hands of the representative, the representative
  [he] shall be discharged from the representative's [his] trust
  and the estate ordered closed.
         (d)  Discharge When Estate Fully Administered.  Whenever
  the representative of an estate has fully administered the same
  in accordance with this code [Code] and the orders of the court,
  and the representative's [his] final account has been approved,
  and the representative [he] has delivered all of said estate
  remaining in the representative's [his] hands to the person or
  persons entitled to receive the same, it shall be the duty of the
  court to enter an order discharging such representative from the
  representative's [his] trust, and declaring the estate closed.
         SECTION 1.42.  Section 427, Texas Probate Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 427.  WHEN ESTATES TO BE PAID INTO STATE TREASURY.
  If any person entitled to a portion of an estate, except a
  resident minor without a guardian, does [shall] not demand the
  person's [his] portion, including any portion deposited in an
  account in the court's registry under Section 408(b) of this
  code, from the executor or administrator within six months after
  an order of court approving the report of commissioners of
  partition, or within six months after the settlement of the final
  account of an executor or administrator, as the case may be, the
  court by written order shall require the executor or
  administrator to pay so much of said portion as is in money to the
  comptroller; and such portion as is in other property the court
  [he] shall order the executor or administrator to sell on such
  terms as the court thinks best, and, when the proceeds of such
  sale are collected, the court shall order the same to be paid to
  the comptroller, in all such cases allowing the executor or
  administrator reasonable compensation for the executor's or
  administrator's [his] services. A suit to recover proceeds of
  the sale is governed by Section 433 of this code [Code].
         SECTION 2.06.  Section 53.104, Estates Code, as effective
  January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 53.104.  APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS AD LITEM. (a)  
  Except as provided by Section 202.009(b), the judge of a probate
  court may appoint an attorney ad litem in any probate proceeding
  to represent the interests of:
               (1)  a person who has a legal disability;
               (2)  a nonresident;
               (3)  an unborn or unascertained person; [or]
               (4)  an unknown or missing heir; or
               (5)  an unknown or missing person entitled to
  property deposited in an account in the court's registry under
  Section 362.011(b).
         (b)  Subject to Subsection (c), an [An] attorney ad litem
  appointed under this section is entitled to reasonable
  compensation for services provided in the amount set by the
  court. The court shall:
               (1)  tax the compensation[, to be taxed] as costs in
  the probate proceeding; or
               (2)  for an attorney ad litem appointed to represent
  the interests of an unknown or missing person described by
  Subsection (a)(5), order that the compensation be paid from money
  in the account described by that subdivision.
         (c)  The court order appointing an attorney ad litem to
  represent the interests of an unknown or missing person described
  by Subsection (a)(5) must require the attorney ad litem to
  conduct a search for the person. Compensation paid under
  Subsection (b) to the attorney ad litem may not exceed 10 percent
  of the amount on deposit in the account described by Subsection
  (a)(5) on the date:
               (1)  the attorney ad litem reports to the court the
  location of the previously unknown or missing person; or
               (2)  the money in the account is paid to the
  comptroller as provided by Section 551.001.
         SECTION 2.21.  Subchapter A, Chapter 202, Estates Code,
  as effective January 1, 2014, is amended by adding Section
  202.0025 to read as follows:
         Sec. 202.0025.  ACTION BROUGHT AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH.
  Notwithstanding Section 16.051, Civil Practice and Remedies
  Code, a proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent may be
  brought at any time after the decedent's death.
         SECTION 2.24.  Sections 204.151 and 204.152, Estates
  Code, as effective January 1, 2014, are amended to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 204.151.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This
  subchapter applies in a proceeding to declare heirship of a
  decedent only with respect to an individual who[:
               [(1)     petitions the court for a determination of
  right of inheritance as authorized by Section 201.052(c); and
               [(2)]  claims[:
                     [(A)]  to be a biological child of the decedent
  or claims[, but with respect to whom a parent-child relationship
  with the decedent was not established as provided by Section
  160.201, Family Code; or
                     [(B)]  to inherit through a biological child of
  the decedent[, if a parent-child relationship between the
  individual through whom the inheritance is claimed and the
  decedent was not established as provided by Section 160.201,
  Family Code].
         Sec. 204.152.  PRESUMPTION; [REQUIRED FINDINGS IN ABSENCE
  OF] REBUTTAL [EVIDENCE]. The presumption under Section 160.505,
  Family Code, that applies in establishing a parent-child
  relationship also applies in determining heirship in the probate
  court using the results of genetic testing ordered with respect
  to an individual described by Section 204.151, and the
  presumption may be rebutted in the same manner provided by
  Section 160.505, Family Code. [Unless the results of genetic
  testing of another individual who is an heir of the decedent who
  is the subject of a proceeding to declare heirship to which this
  subchapter applies are admitted as rebuttal evidence, the court
  shall find that the individual described by Section 204.151:
               [(1)     is an heir of the decedent, if the results of
  genetic testing ordered under Subchapter B identify a tested
  individual who is an heir of the decedent as the ancestor of the
  individual described by Section 204.151; or
               [(2)     is not an heir of the decedent, if the results
  of genetic testing ordered under Subchapter B exclude a tested
  individual who is an heir of the decedent as the ancestor of the
  individual described by Section 204.151.]
         SECTION 2.37.  Subsection (c), Section 304.001, Estates
  Code, as effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as
  follows:
         (c)  If persons [applicants for letters testamentary or of
  administration] are equally entitled to letters testamentary or
  of administration [the letters], the court:
               (1)  shall grant the letters to the person
  [applicant] who, in the judgment of the court, is most likely to
  administer the estate advantageously; or
               (2)  may grant the letters to two or more of those
  persons [applicants].
         SECTION 2.57.  Section 362.005, Estates Code, as
  effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 362.005.  CITATION AND NOTICE ON PRESENTATION OF
  ACCOUNT. (a)  On the presentation of an account for final
  settlement by a temporary or permanent personal representative,
  the county clerk shall issue citation to the persons and in the
  manner provided by Subsection (b) [Subsections (c) and (d)].
         (b)  Citation issued under Subsection (a) must:
               (1)  contain:
                     (A) [(1)]  a statement that an account for
  final settlement has been presented;
                     (B) [(2)]  the time and place the court will
  consider the account; [and]
                     (C) [(3)]  a statement requiring the person
  cited to appear and contest the account, if the person wishes to
  contest the account; and
                     (D)  a copy of the account for final
  settlement; and
               (2)  be given[.
         [(c)  The personal representative shall give notice] to
  each heir or beneficiary of the decedent by certified mail,
  return receipt requested, unless the court by written order
  directs another method of service [type of notice] to be given[.  
  The notice must include a copy of the account for final
  settlement].
         (c) [(d)]  The court by written order shall require
  additional notice if the court considers the additional notice
  necessary.
         (d) [(e)]  The court may allow the waiver of citation
  [notice] of an account for final settlement in a proceeding
  concerning a decedent's estate.
         SECTION 2.58.  Section 362.011, Estates Code, as
  effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 362.011.  PARTITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE;
  DEPOSIT IN COURT'S REGISTRY.  (a) If, on final settlement of an
  estate, any of the estate remains in the personal
  representative's possession, the court shall order that a
  partition and distribution be made among the persons entitled to
  receive that part of the estate.
         (b)  The court shall order the personal representative to
  deposit in an account in the court's registry any remaining
  estate property that is money and to which a person who is unknown
  or missing is entitled. In addition, the court shall order the
  representative to sell, on terms the court determines are best,
  remaining estate property that is not money and to which a person
  who is unknown or missing is entitled.  The court shall order the
  representative to deposit the sale proceeds in an account in the
  court's registry. The court shall hold money deposited in an
  account under this subsection until the court renders:
               (1)  an order requiring money in the account to be
  paid to the previously unknown or missing person who is entitled
  to the money; or
               (2)  another order regarding the disposition of the
  money.
         SECTION 2.60.  Subsection (a), Section 551.001, Estates
  Code, as effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as
  follows:
         (a)  The court, by written order, shall require the
  executor or administrator of an estate to pay to the comptroller
  as provided by this subchapter the share of that estate of a
  person entitled to that share who does not demand the share,
  including any portion deposited in an account in the court's
  registry under Section 362.011(b), from the executor or
  administrator within six months after the date of, as applicable:
               (1)  a court order approving the report of the
  commissioners of partition made under Section 360.154; or
               (2)  the settlement of the final account of the
  executor or administrator.
         Explanation:  The addition is necessary to add provisions
  relating to attorneys ad litem, proceedings to declare heirship,
  granting of letters testamentary or of administration, filing of
  inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims, citation and
  notice on presentation of accounts for final settlement,
  distribution of remaining estate property and discharge of
  representatives on final settlement of estates, and estates to be
  paid into the state treasury.
         (2)  Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit
  the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to
  add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or
  senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.11 of the bill,
  in amended Section 48, Texas Probate Code, to read as follows:
         SECTION 1.11.  Section 48, Texas Probate Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as
  follows:
         . . .
         (d)  Notwithstanding Section 16.051, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, a proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent may
  be brought at any time after the decedent's death.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to specify when a
  proceeding to declare heirship may be brought.
         (3)  Senate Rules 12.03(1), (3), and (4) are suspended to
  permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement,
  to add text on a matter which is not in disagreement, and to add
  text on a matter which is not included in either the house or
  senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.12 of the bill,
  in amended Subsection (a), Section 49, Texas Probate Code, to
  read as follows:
         SECTION 1.12.  Subsection (a), Section 49, Texas Probate
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Such proceedings may be instituted and maintained
  under a circumstance specified in Section 48(a) of this code [in
  any of the instances enumerated above] by the qualified personal
  representative of the estate of such decedent, by a party seeking
  the appointment of an independent administrator under Section
  145 of this code, by the trustee of a trust holding assets for the
  benefit of the decedent, by any person or persons claiming to be a
  secured or unsecured creditor or the owner of the whole or a part
  of the estate of such decedent, or by the guardian of the estate
  of a ward, if the proceedings are instituted and maintained in
  the probate court in which the proceedings for the guardianship
  of the estate were pending at the time of the death of the ward.
  In such a case an application shall be filed in a proper court
  stating the following information:
               (1)  the name of the decedent and the time and place
  of death;
               (2)  the names and residences of the decedent's
  heirs, the relationship of each heir to the decedent, and the
  true interest of the applicant and each of the heirs in the estate
  of the decedent or in the trust, as applicable;
               (3)  all the material facts and circumstances within
  the knowledge and information of the applicant that might
  reasonably tend to show the time or place of death or the names or
  residences of all heirs, if the time or place of death or the
  names or residences of all the heirs are not definitely known to
  the applicant;
               (4)  a statement that all children born to or adopted
  by the decedent have been listed;
               (5)  a statement that each marriage of the decedent
  has been listed with the date of the marriage, the name of the
  spouse, and if the marriage was terminated, the date and place of
  termination, and other facts to show whether a spouse has had an
  interest in the property of the decedent;
               (6)  whether the decedent died testate and if so,
  what disposition has been made of the will;
               (7)  a general description of all the real and
  personal property belonging to the estate of the decedent or held
  in trust for the benefit of the decedent, as applicable; and
               (8)  an explanation for the omission of any of the
  foregoing information that is omitted from the application.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to authorize persons
  claiming to be unsecured creditors to institute proceedings to
  declare heirship.
         (4)  Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (4) are suspended to
  permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement,
  omit text which is not in disagreement, and add text on a matter
  which is not included in either the house or senate version of the
  bill in proposed SECTION 1.28 of the bill, in amended Section
  149C, Texas Probate Code, to read as follows:
         SECTION 1.28.  Section 149C, Texas Probate Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1)
  and (a-2) to read as follows:
         (a)  The [county] court, [as that term is defined by
  Section 3 of this code,] on its own motion or on motion of any
  interested person, after the independent executor has been cited
  by personal service to answer at a time and place fixed in the
  notice, may remove an independent executor when:
               (1)  the independent executor fails to return within
  ninety days after qualification, unless such time is extended by
  order of the court, either an inventory of the property of the
  estate and list of claims that have come to the independent
  executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims;
               (2)  sufficient grounds appear to support belief
  that the independent executor has misapplied or embezzled, or
  that the independent executor is about to misapply or embezzle,
  all or any part of the property committed to the independent
  executor's care;
               (3)  the independent executor fails to make an
  accounting which is required by law to be made;
               (4)  the independent executor fails to timely file
  the affidavit or certificate required by Section 128A of this
  code;
               (5)  the independent executor is proved to have been
  guilty of gross misconduct or gross mismanagement in the
  performance of the independent executor's duties; [or]
               (6)  the independent executor becomes an
  incapacitated person, or is sentenced to the penitentiary, or
  from any other cause becomes incapable of [legally incapacitated
  from] properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary
  duties; or
               (7)  the independent executor becomes incapable of
  properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary duties
  due to a material conflict of interest.
         (a-1)  The court, on its own motion or on the motion of any
  interested person, and after the independent executor has been
  cited by certified mail, return receipt requested, to answer at a
  time and place stated in the citation, may remove an independent
  executor who is appointed under the provisions of this code if
  the independent executor:
               (1)  subject to Subsection (a-2)(1) of this section,
  fails to qualify in the manner and period required by law;
               (2)  subject to Subsection (a-2)(2) of this section,
  fails to return not later than the 90th day after the date the
  independent executor qualifies an inventory of the estate
  property and a list of claims that have come to the independent
  executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims, unless the period is extended
  by court order;
               (3)  cannot be served with notices or other processes
  because the:
                     (A)  independent executor's location is
  unknown;
                     (B)  independent executor is eluding service;
  or
                     (C)  independent executor is a nonresident of
  this state who does not have a resident agent to accept service of
  process in a probate proceeding or other action relating to the
  estate; or
               (4)  subject to Subsection (a-2)(3) of this section,
  has misapplied, embezzled, or removed from the state, or is about
  to misapply, embezzle, or remove from the state, all or any part
  of the property committed to the independent executor's care.
         (a-2)  The court may remove an independent executor:
               (1)  under Subsection (a-1)(1) of this section only
  if the independent executor fails to qualify on or before the
  30th day after the date the court sends a notice by certified
  mail, return receipt requested, to the independent executor's
  last known address and to the last known address of the
  independent executor's attorney, notifying the independent
  executor and attorney of the court's intent to remove the
  independent executor for failure to qualify in the manner and
  period required by law;
               (2)  under Subsection (a-1)(2) of this section only
  if the independent executor fails to file an inventory and list
  of claims or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement,
  and list of claims as required by law on or before the 30th day
  after the date the court sends a notice by certified mail, return
  receipt requested, to the independent executor's last known
  address and to the last known address of the independent
  executor's attorney, notifying the independent executor and
  attorney of the court's intent to remove the independent executor
  for failure to file the inventory and list of claims or
  affidavit; and
               (3)  under Subsection (a-1)(4) of this section only
  on presentation of clear and convincing evidence given under oath
  of the misapplication, embezzlement, or removal from this state
  of property as described by that subdivision.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to make various
  revisions to the procedures for removal of independent
  executors.
         (5)  Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit
  the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to
  add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or
  senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.49 of the bill,
  in Subsection (a) of that section, to read as follows:
         (a)  Subsection (c), Section 48, Subsection (c), Section
  53C, Section 70, and Subsection (f), Section 251, Texas Probate
  Code, are repealed.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to add a repeal of
  Subsection (c), Section 53C, Texas Probate Code.
         (6)  Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the
  committee to add text on a matter which is not included in either
  the house or senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.50
  of the bill to read as follows:
         (i)  Sections 34A, 407, 408, and 427, Texas Probate Code,
  as amended by this article, and Section 254, Texas Probate Code,
  as added by this article, apply to the estate of a decedent that
  is pending or commenced on or after September 1, 2011, regardless
  of the date of the decedent's death.
         (j)  The changes in law made by this article to Section 77,
  Texas Probate Code, apply only to an application for the grant of
  letters testamentary or of administration of a decedent's estate
  filed on or after September 1, 2011. An application for the grant
  of letters testamentary or of administration of a decedent's
  estate filed before that date is governed by the law in effect on
  the date the application was filed, and the former law is
  continued in effect for that purpose.
         (k)  The changes in law made by this article to Subsection
  (a), Section 83, Texas Probate Code, apply only to an application
  for the probate of a will or administration of the estate of a
  decedent that is pending or filed on or after September 1, 2011.
         (l)  The changes in law made by this article to
  Subsections (a) and (b), Section 53C, Texas Probate Code, apply
  only to a proceeding to declare heirship commenced on or after
  September 1, 2011. A proceeding to declare heirship commenced
  before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the
  proceeding was commenced, and the former law is continued in
  effect for that purpose.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to add transition
  provisions for sections of the Texas Probate Code that are
  amended in the bill.
         (7)  Senate Rules 12.03(1), (3), and (4) are suspended to
  permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement,
  to add text on a matter which is not in disagreement, and to add
  text on a matter which is not included in either the house or
  senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.22 of the bill,
  in amended Section 202.004, Estates Code, as effective January 1,
  2014, to read as follows:
         SECTION 2.22.  Section 202.004, Estates Code, as
  effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 202.004.  PERSONS WHO MAY COMMENCE PROCEEDING TO
  DECLARE HEIRSHIP.  A proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent
  may be commenced and maintained under a circumstance specified by
  Section 202.002 by:
               (1)  the personal representative of the decedent's
  estate;
               (2)  a person claiming to be a secured or unsecured 
  creditor or the owner of all or part of the decedent's estate;
  [or]
               (3)  if the decedent was a ward with respect to whom a
  guardian of the estate had been appointed, the guardian of the
  estate, provided that the proceeding is commenced and maintained
  in the probate court in which the proceedings for the
  guardianship of the estate were pending at the time of the
  decedent's death;
               (4)  a party seeking the appointment of an
  independent administrator under Section 401.003; or
               (5)  the trustee of a trust holding assets for the
  benefit of a decedent.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to authorize persons
  claiming to be unsecured creditors to institute proceedings to
  declare heirship.
         (8)  Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit
  the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to
  add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or
  senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.47 of the bill,
  in amended Subchapter B, Chapter 309, Estates Code, as effective
  January 1, 2014, to read as follows:
         SECTION 2.47.  Subchapter B, Chapter 309, Estates Code,
  as effective January 1, 2014, is amended by adding Sections
  309.056 and 309.057 to read as follows:
         . . .
         Sec. 309.057.  PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE
  INVENTORY, APPRAISEMENT, AND LIST OF CLAIMS OR AFFIDAVIT IN LIEU
  OF.  (a)  This section applies only to a personal representative,
  including an independent executor or administrator, who does not
  file an inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit
  in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, within the period prescribed by Section 309.051 or
  any extension granted by the court.
         (b)  Any person interested in the estate on written
  complaint, or the court on the court's own motion, may have a
  personal representative to whom this section applies cited to
  file the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit
  in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, and show cause for the failure to timely file.
         (c)  If the personal representative does not file the
  inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit in lieu
  of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as
  applicable, after being cited or does not show good cause for the
  failure to timely file, the court on hearing may fine the
  representative in an amount not to exceed $1,000.
         (d)  The personal representative and the representative's
  sureties, if any, are liable for any fine imposed under this
  section and for all damages and costs sustained by the
  representative's failure. The fine, damages, and costs may be
  recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to provide a penalty
  against personal representatives of decedents' estates for
  failing to timely file an inventory, appraisement, and list of
  claims or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement,
  and list of claims.
         (9)  Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (3) are suspended to
  permit the committee to change and omit text which is not in
  disagreement and to add text on a matter which is not in
  disagreement in proposed SECTION 2.49 of the bill, in Section
  352.004, Estates Code, as effective January 1, 2014, to read as
  follows:
         SECTION 2.49.  Section 352.004, Estates Code, as
  effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 352.004.  DENIAL OF COMPENSATION.  The court may, on
  application of an interested person or on the court's own motion,
  wholly or partly deny a commission allowed by this subchapter if:
               (1)  the court finds that the executor or
  administrator has not taken care of and managed estate property
  prudently; or
               (2)  the executor or administrator has been removed
  under Section 404.003 [149C] or Subchapter B, Chapter 361.
         Explanation:  This change is necessary to make a
  conforming change to a cross-reference in the Estates Code.
         (10)  Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the
  committee to add text on a matter which is not included in either
  the house or senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.59
  of the bill, in added Chapter 404, Estates Code, as effective
  January 1, 2014, to read as follows:
         Sec. 404.003.  REMOVAL OF INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR.  (a)  The
  probate court, on its own motion or on motion of any interested
  person, after the independent executor has been cited by personal
  service to answer at a time and place fixed in the notice, may
  remove an independent executor when:
               (1)  the independent executor fails to return within
  90 days after qualification, unless such time is extended by
  order of the court, either an inventory of the property of the
  estate and list of claims that have come to the independent
  executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims;
               (2)  sufficient grounds appear to support belief
  that the independent executor has misapplied or embezzled, or
  that the independent executor is about to misapply or embezzle,
  all or any part of the property committed to the independent
  executor's care;
               (3)  the independent executor fails to make an
  accounting which is required by law to be made;
               (4)  the independent executor fails to timely file
  the affidavit or certificate required by Section 308.004;
               (5)  the independent executor is proved to have been
  guilty of gross misconduct or gross mismanagement in the
  performance of the independent executor's duties;
               (6)  the independent executor becomes an
  incapacitated person, or is sentenced to the penitentiary, or
  from any other cause becomes incapable of properly performing the
  independent executor's fiduciary duties; or
               (7)  the independent executor becomes incapable of
  properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary duties
  due to a material conflict of interest.
         (b)  The probate court, on its own motion or on the motion
  of any interested person, and after the independent executor has
  been cited by certified mail, return receipt requested, to answer
  at a time and place stated in the citation, may remove an
  independent executor who is appointed under the provisions of
  this code if the independent executor:
               (1)  subject to Subsection (c)(1), fails to qualify
  in the manner and period required by law;
               (2)  subject to Subsection (c)(2), fails to return
  not later than the 90th day after the date the independent
  executor qualifies an inventory of the estate property and a list
  of claims that have come to the independent executor's knowledge
  or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list
  of claims, unless the period is extended by court order;
               (3)  cannot be served with notices or other processes
  because the:
                     (A)  independent executor's location is
  unknown;
                     (B)  independent executor is eluding service;
  or
                     (C)  independent executor is a nonresident of
  this state who does not have a resident agent to accept service of
  process in a probate proceeding or other action relating to the
  estate; or
               (4)  subject to Subsection (c)(3), has misapplied,
  embezzled, or removed from the state, or is about to misapply,
  embezzle, or remove from the state, all or any part of the
  property committed to the independent executor's care.
         (c)  The probate court may remove an independent executor:
               (1)  under Subsection (b)(1) only if the independent
  executor fails to qualify on or before the 30th day after the date
  the court sends a notice by certified mail, return receipt
  requested, to the independent executor's last known address and
  to the last known address of the independent executor's attorney,
  notifying the independent executor and attorney of the court's
  intent to remove the independent executor for failure to qualify
  in the manner and period required by law;
               (2)  under Subsection (b)(2) only if the independent
  executor fails to file an inventory and list of claims or an
  affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of
  claims as required by law on or before the 30th day after the date
  the court sends a notice by certified mail, return receipt
  requested, to the independent executor's last known address and
  to the last known address of the independent executor's attorney,
  notifying the independent executor and attorney of the court's
  intent to remove the independent executor for failure to file the
  inventory and list of claims or affidavit; and
               (3)  under Subsection (b)(4) only on presentation of
  clear and convincing evidence given under oath of the
  misapplication, embezzlement, or removal from this state of
  property as described by that subdivision.
         (d)  The order of removal shall state the cause of removal
  and shall direct by order the disposition of the assets remaining
  in the name or under the control of the removed executor.  The
  order of removal shall require that letters issued to the removed
  executor shall be surrendered and that all letters shall be
  canceled of record.  If an independent executor is removed by the
  court under this section, the court may, on application, appoint
  a successor independent executor as provided by Section 404.005.
         (e)  An independent executor who defends an action for the
  independent executor's removal in good faith, whether successful
  or not, shall be allowed out of the estate the independent
  executor's necessary expenses and disbursements, including
  reasonable attorney's fees, in the removal proceedings.
         (f)  Costs and expenses incurred by the party seeking
  removal that are incident to removal of an independent executor
  appointed without bond, including reasonable attorney's fees and
  expenses, may be paid out of the estate.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to make various
  revisions to the procedures for removal of independent
  executors.
         (11)  Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (4) are suspended to
  permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement,
  omit text which is not in disagreement, and add text on a matter
  which is not included in either the house or senate version of the
  bill in proposed SECTION 2.61 of the bill, in Subsections (a) and
  (b) of that section, to read as follows:
         (a)  Sections 202.003 and 255.201, Estates Code, as
  effective January 1, 2014, are repealed.
         (b)  The following sections of the Texas Probate Code are
  repealed:
               (1)  Sections 4D, 4H, 15, 34A, 37A, 48(a), 49, 53C(a)
  and (b), 59, 64, 67, 77, 81(a), 83(a), 84, 89A(a), 128A, 143, 227,
  250, 256, 260, 271(a) and (b), 286, 293, 385(a), 407, 408(b),
  (c), and (d), 427, 436, 439, 452, 471, 472, and 473, as amended by
  Article 1 of this Act; and
               (2)  Sections 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A, 8B, 48(d), 145A,
  145B, 145C, and 254, as added by Article 1 of this Act.
         Explanation:  The change is necessary to correct the
  repeal of a provision of the Estates Code and to repeal, when the
  Estates Code takes effect, certain provisions of the Texas
  Probate Code that are amended or added in Article 1 of the bill.
 
 
 
 
    _______________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
         I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 29, 2011, by
    the    
   
   
   
   
    _______________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate