MD HB375

Personal representatives who also served as a decedent's caregiver or held power of attorney may petition the orphans' court to interpret a will based on extrinsic evidence of the decedent's intent, specifically regarding legacies to health providers or charitable organizations in sectors with documented needs or inequalities.

Courts must defer to the personal representative's judgment on will administration if the will contains specific boilerplate language granting broad authority to act without court direction, unless there is compelling evidence of fraud against the estate.

Between 6 months and 3 years after probate, personal representatives may require legatees (health providers or charitable organizations) to demonstrate how they used the legacy; failure to show proper use allows the representative to seek court orders requiring return of the legacy or payment of its value.

Establishes state policy under the Health - General Article to oppose and alleviate racial health disparities and to encourage gifts and bequests that address such disparities.

Applies retroactively to wills probated on or after October 1, 2021, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.