This bill amends existing law to increase the threshold amount of wages that can be paid directly to the descendants of a deceased employee without initiating the probate process. Previously, the law allowed for wages not in excess of $300 to be paid out; this bill increases that amount to $3,000. The bill also updates the language to be gender-neutral, changing "him" to "to the decedent."

Additionally, the bill specifies that the payment should be made in the order of distribution set forth in RSA 561:1, replacing the previous language that referred to the laws of intestacy for the state of New Hampshire. This act will take effect 60 days after its passage, with an approved date of July 12, 2024, and an effective date of September 10, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 275:47
Version adopted by both bodies: 275:47
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 275:47