Texas House Bill HB2147

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/28/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/9/25
• Voted on by House: 4/25/25

Caption

Relating to remotely conducting depositions, hearings, and other proceedings in juvenile cases.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2147 is anticipated to have a significant impact on how juvenile cases are managed within the state. By enabling remote participation, the bill could increase accessibility to the justice system for parties who might face challenges in attending court in person, such as those living in remote areas or those with transportation constraints. Additionally, the legislation supports the integration of modern technology into the judicial process, potentially streamlining case processing and reducing delays that might arise from in-person attendance requirements.

Summary

House Bill 2147 seeks to amend the Family Code to formalize the ability of juvenile courts in Texas to conduct hearings and other proceedings remotely. By defining remote proceedings and establishing parameters for such sessions, the bill aims to enhance the legal processes surrounding juvenile cases. This includes the potential for judges, attorneys, witnesses, and other participants to engage in hearings via teleconferencing or videoconferencing without requiring the consent of all parties involved, unless mandated by constitutional law.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2147 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for juvenile justice reform and those emphasizing the importance of using technology to enhance accessibility within the court system. However, there are concerns raised by some legal experts regarding the implications of remote proceedings on the integrity of the judicial process, including the handling of physical evidence and maintaining the credibility of testimonies provided remotely.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the challenges of ensuring that remote proceedings do not compromise the rights of involved parties, particularly regarding the witness's ability to provide testimony and the judge's capacity to assess credibility from a distance. There are also concerns about establishing effective protocols for managing physical evidence in a virtual environment. As the bill progresses, these issues are likely to be scrutinized to ensure that the transition to remote proceedings is smooth and equitable.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 51. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 54. Judicial Proceedings
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section