SB 541 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Probate Law - As introduced, requires the personal representative to notify beneficiaries or intestate heirs of their right to file exceptions to claims of creditors filed against an estate; makes various other changes regarding wills and claims of creditors against an estate. - Amends TCA Title 30 and Title 32.

SB 541 requires personal representatives (like executors) to notify beneficiaries named in a will or intestate heirs (those inheriting without a will) about their right to challenge creditor claims against an estate. It adds specific procedures: beneficiaries must file exceptions to creditor claims within 30 days after the estate’s creditor notice period, and creditors can similarly challenge other creditors’ claims. The bill amends Tennessee’s probate code (TCA Titles 30 and 32) to clarify timelines for filing exceptions and defines key terms like "holographic will" and "nuncupative will." These changes directly affect estate beneficiaries, heirs, personal representatives, and creditors involved in probate disputes over unpaid debts.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Mar 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0
upper
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/25/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Stevens
John Stevens
RRepublican
TN
24