The proposed resolution aims to address urgent issues within the District of Columbia's probate system, which has not been updated since 2001 and has been criticized for its inefficiencies that disproportionately affect economically vulnerable residents. The resolution seeks to amend Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the D.C. Official Code to enhance the definition of abbreviated probate, empower the Register of Wills to refer cases to the Court for the appointment of personal representatives, and clarify the applicability of the Strengthening Probate Amendment Act of 2024 to estates of decedents who died on or after March 21, 2025. The need for these amendments arises from a report by the D.C. Estate Administration Working Group, which highlighted that 97% of small estates are handled by individuals without legal representation, leading to delays and unclaimed assets.

The resolution emphasizes the necessity of emergency legislation to implement technical amendments to the Strengthening Probate Act, which was passed in December 2024. These amendments are crucial for streamlining the probate process, allowing for the timely appointment of personal representatives, and ensuring that residents can access estate assets without unnecessary delays. The Council recognizes the urgency of these changes, especially with an upcoming recess, and aims to adopt the emergency amendment after a single reading to facilitate immediate implementation and improve the probate experience for District residents.