On February 23, 2026, the Texas Legislature made headlines with the introduction of new legislation that will significantly impact the state's wills and probate laws. The proposed changes aim to streamline the probate process, improve access to justice, and protect the rights of heirs and beneficiaries.One of the key provisions of the proposed legislation is the introduction of electronic wills, which will allow individuals to create and execute their wills entirely online. This is a major departure from traditional practices, which often require wills to be signed in the presence of witnesses and notarized. Proponents of electronic wills argue that they will make the process more convenient and accessible, particularly for those who may have difficulty physically attending a lawyer's office to execute their will.In addition to electronic wills, the legislation also includes provisions to simplify the probate process and reduce the burden on families dealing with the estate of a deceased loved one. One such provision is the establishment of expedited probate procedures for small estates, which will allow for a faster and more efficient resolution of inheritance matters. This is expected to benefit heirs and beneficiaries by minimizing the time and costs associated with probate proceedings.Furthermore, the new legislation seeks to address issues of inheritance rights, particularly for non-traditional families and heirs. The proposed changes include provisions to clarify the rights of stepchildren, foster children, and unmarried partners in the probate process, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged due to their relationship status.Overall, the introduction of this new legislation represents a significant step forward in modernizing Texas' wills and probate laws. If passed, these changes have the potential to make the process of estate planning and probate administration more efficient, accessible, and equitable for all Texans.