OK HB2939

Amends sections 1072, 1073, and 1074 of Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding the Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act to include "extended absence" as a condition allowing durable powers of attorney to remain effective.

Defines "extended absence" as a principal being missing or losing all contact with the attorney-in-fact, family members, and friends for more than 45 days, with contact including face-to-face meetings, letters, phone calls, text messages, or electronic communications.

Exempts members of the Armed Forces from the extended absence definition when deployed for military service, training, or classified as missing in action or prisoners of war.

Requires the attorney-in-fact to initiate proceedings to have the principal declared legally dead once the extended absence exceeds the period prescribed by Section 941 of Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Effective date: November 1, 2010.