S.B. No. 1335 amends various sections of the Estates Code in Texas, primarily focusing on the roles and responsibilities of personal representatives in decedents' estates. The bill clarifies that letters testamentary or of administration issued under the court's seal serve as sufficient evidence of the appointment and qualification of a personal representative. It introduces a new provision allowing the court to remove a personal representative either on its own motion or upon the complaint of an interested person, provided that the representative has been properly notified. The bill also specifies the grounds for removal, including mismanagement or incapacity, and establishes procedures for discharging personal representatives when no estate property remains.

Additionally, the bill updates the process for closing an estate, including the cancellation of letters issued to personal representatives and the release of sureties on their bonds. It emphasizes that the closing of an independent administration terminates the authority of the independent executor or administrator and holds them liable for any mismanagement. The changes aim to streamline the administration of estates and enhance accountability among personal representatives. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to motions or complaints made after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Estates Code 306.007, Estates Code 361.052, Estates Code 362.012, Estates Code 362.013, Estates Code 405.001, Estates Code 405.007, Estates Code 405.009 (Estates Code 306, Estates Code 362, Estates Code 361, Estates Code 405)
Senate Committee Report: Estates Code 306.007, Estates Code 361.052, Estates Code 362.012, Estates Code 362.013, Estates Code 405.001, Estates Code 405.007, Estates Code 405.009 (Estates Code 306, Estates Code 362, Estates Code 361, Estates Code 405)
Engrossed: Estates Code 306.007, Estates Code 361.052, Estates Code 362.012, Estates Code 362.013, Estates Code 405.001, Estates Code 405.007, Estates Code 405.009 (Estates Code 306, Estates Code 362, Estates Code 361, Estates Code 405)
House Committee Report: Estates Code 306.007, Estates Code 361.052, Estates Code 362.012, Estates Code 362.013, Estates Code 405.001, Estates Code 405.007, Estates Code 405.009 (Estates Code 306, Estates Code 362, Estates Code 361, Estates Code 405)
Enrolled: Estates Code 306.007, Estates Code 361.052, Estates Code 362.012, Estates Code 362.013, Estates Code 405.001, Estates Code 405.007, Estates Code 405.009 (Estates Code 306, Estates Code 362, Estates Code 361, Estates Code 405)