89R798 MCF-D     By: VanDeaver H.B. No. 2147       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to remotely conducting depositions, hearings, and other   proceedings in juvenile cases.          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.          (b)  A juvenile court may:                (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;   and                (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   under this title.          (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;   and                (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   read as follows:          (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  Sections 54.012(a-1) and (a-2), Family Code, are   repealed.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.