The proposed bill aims to establish the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act in North Dakota, creating Chapter 59-22 of the North Dakota Century Code. This chapter introduces definitions related to electronic estate planning, including terms such as "electronic record," "electronic signature," and "nontestamentary estate planning document." It outlines the scope of the law, stating that it applies to electronic nontestamentary estate planning documents and signatures, while also clarifying that it does not apply if a document explicitly prohibits electronic formats. The bill emphasizes that electronic documents and signatures cannot be denied legal effect solely based on their electronic nature and provides guidelines for notarization, witnessing, and retention of electronic records.

Additionally, the bill ensures that electronic estate planning documents are treated with the same legal validity as traditional documents, allowing for the creation of certified paper copies and the admissibility of electronic evidence in legal proceedings. It also promotes uniformity in the application of the law across states and modifies certain provisions of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. The Act will be applicable to electronic nontestamentary estate planning documents created or signed on or after July 31, 2025.