House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

Posted:	February 25, 2016 12:53 PM
From:	Representative Mark Longietti
To:	All House members
Subject:	Estate Code Legislation

I invite your co-sponsorship of legislation amending the Estate Code to increase from $5,000 to $10,000 the amount an employer may pay directly to a surviving relative for the decedent’s final paycheck, which includes wages, salary and benefits due. This amount has not been increased for over 21 years resulting in many cases where a final paycheck, which can include a payout for accrued vacation and sick time, exceeds $5,000, even for middle-income workers. When the current $5,000 limit is exceeded, the surviving relative must initiate formal estate proceedings with the county Register of Wills and the Court of Common Pleas. This results in a delay in receiving needed funds and a significant cost. By way of reference, current law allows a bank account withdrawal of up to $10,000 by the surviving relative. I believe that the amount for the final paycheck to the surviving spouse should also be increased to $10,000 and I hope that you agree and will co-sponsor this legislation. A copy of the proposed legislation is attached.
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Introduced as HB1974