SB 299

relating to remotely conducting depositions, hearings, and other
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 51, Family Code, is amended by adding
Section 51.055 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.055.  REMOTE CONDUCT OF PROCEEDINGS.  (a)  In this
section, "remote proceeding" means a proceeding in which one or
more of the participants, including a judge, party, attorney,
witness, court reporter, or other individual, attends the
proceeding remotely through the use of technology and the Internet,
including through teleconferencing or videoconferencing.
(1)  conduct a hearing or other proceeding under this
title as a remote proceeding without the consent of the parties
unless the United States or Texas Constitution requires consent;
(2)  allow or require a party, attorney, witness, court
reporter, or any other individual to participate in a remote
proceeding, including a deposition, hearing, or other proceeding
(c)  The judge of a juvenile court shall submit to the Office
of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System a plan for
conducting remote proceedings under this title.  The plan must:
(1)  include protocols for handling physical evidence;
(2)  require an unobstructed view of any party or
witness who provides testimony from a remote location.
SECTION 2.  Section 54.012(e), Family Code, is amended to
(e)  In this section, "remote proceeding" has the meaning
assigned by Section 51.055 [means a proceeding in which one or more
of the participants, including a judge, party, attorney, witness,
court reporter, or other individual, attends the proceeding
remotely through the use of technology and the Internet, including
through teleconferencing or videoconferencing].
SECTION 3.  Sections 54.012(a-1) and (a-2), Family Code, are
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.