California’s Busy Legislature

Here are some recent developments in California law:

• A will may refer to a writing that directs the disposition of tangible personal property not otherwise specifically disposed of by the will, except for property used primarily in a trade or business.  2006 Cal. Legis. Serv. ch. 280.
• A specific gift distributable under a trust will carry with it the same benefits and burdens as a specific gift under a will.  2006 Cal. Legis. Serv. ch. 569.
• An electronic advance health care directive or a power of attorney for health care is legally sufficient if the existing requirements for directives are satisfied, the directive is acknowledged before a notary public, and any digital signatures used meet specified requirements.  2006 Cal. Legis. Serv. ch. 579.
• Law Revision Commission will study the operation and effectiveness of provisions restricting donative transfers to certain classes of individuals, and to recommend revisions and improvements to those provisions.  2006 Cal. Legis. Serv. ch. 215.
• A guardian or conservator may select the least restrictive appropriate residence of a conservatee or ward.  2006 Cal. Legis. Serv. ch. 490.