Which of the following can affect inheritance laws?

The correctness of the answer lies in the fact that inheritance laws are indeed influenced by various legal frameworks established at the state level. This includes laws on marital property, which determine how assets are divided between spouses; intestate succession laws, which dictate how estate assets are distributed when someone dies without a valid will; and taxation laws, which can affect the value of the estate as it passes to the beneficiaries. Each state can have unique statutes governing these areas, leading to significant variations in how inheritance laws are applied based on geographic location.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly alter the fundamental legal framework governing inheritance. Company policies regarding employee benefits typically apply to specific employment circumstances and may not have legal authority over estate distribution. Insurance policies may provide benefits to named beneficiaries but do not alter inheritance laws themselves. The decedent's expressed wishes are indeed important, especially if a valid will is in place, but they cannot override the existing state laws that govern how estates are settled, particularly in cases of intestacy or statutory requirements. Therefore, the most encompassing choice that fundamentally affects how inheritance is legally structured is the set of laws that varies from state to state.