Date: 01/27/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1064

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer House Bill 15-1064 to the Committee of the WPASS



01:32 PM -- House Bill 15-1064

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Nordberg, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1064, concerning access to the safe deposit box of a decedent, and, in connection therewith, limiting the obligations of custodians who access the box. Representative Nordberg responded to questions about probate-related legislation considered by the General Assembly in previous years, and the role of a custodian when a safe deposit box is opened after the death of its lessee. Discussion ensued regarding protocols observed when a safe deposit box is opened.


01:38 PM

The following persons testified regarding House Bill 15-1064:

01:38 PM -- Ms. Barbara Walker, representing the Independent Bankers of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Walker discussed the benefits to be realized by safe deposit box custodians for small estates. Ms. Walker responded to questions regarding the role of the custodian when a safe deposit box is opened for estate settlement purposes. Ms. Walker responded to questions regarding industry standards or protocols for opening safe deposit boxes upon the death of the lessee. Discussion ensued regarding how the bill will change the disposition of safe deposit box contents upon death in practical terms.

01:45 PM -- Mr. John Burrus, representing the Independent Bankers of Colorado, testified in support of House Bill 15-1064. Mr. Burrus explained the problem that the bill seeks to clarify, and discussed the drafting of the legislation. Mr. Burrus explained who has right of access to a safe deposit box upon the death of its lessee, and how the contents of a safe deposit box is handled once there is no question about its chain of custody. Mr. Burrus responded to further questions regarding the need for an affidavit to access or take the contents of the safe deposit box of the deceased.


01:55 PM

Mr. Burrus responded to questions regarding how long a financial institution holds on to a safe deposit box upon the death of the lessee if an heir does not claim it.

01:56 PM -- Ms. Melanie Layton, representing the Colorado Bankers Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Layton thanked the parties who participated in the drafting of the legislation.


01:57 PM

No amendments were offered to HB 15-1064.
BILL:HB15-1064
TIME: 01:57:58 PM
MOVED:Court
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1064 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 13-0.
SECONDED:Lawrence
VOTE
Buckner
Yes
Carver
Yes
Court
Yes
Dore
Yes
Foote
Yes
Lawrence
Yes
Lundeen
Yes
Pettersen
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Van Winkle
Yes
Willett
Yes
Lee
Yes
Kagan
Yes
Final YES: 13 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



01:59 PM

The committee adjourned.