Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 540: Undue influence; presumptions in actions contesting validity of a trust or trust instrument.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 540 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Undue influence; presumptions in actions contesting validity of a trust or trust instrument. Primary sponsor: Mark Obenshain (Republican). Most recent recorded action (April 8, 2026): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0506).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Undue influence; presumption in actions contesting validity of certain trust or instrument. Provides that, in an action contesting the validity of a trust or trust instrument, where a presumption of undue influence arises, the fact finder shall presume that the undue influence was exerted over the decedent unless evidence leads the fact finder to determine that the decedent did intend for the real or personal property to be conveyed or transferred as indicated. Current law applies this presumption of undue influence only to actions contesting the validity of a will.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Obenshain | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 2 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0506)
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 506 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
- Signed by President
- Signed by Speaker
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB540ER)
- Enrolled
- House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
- Passed House with substitute (67-Y 30-N 0-A)
- Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- committee substitute agreed to
Showing 12 most recent of 33 actions. Full history