TX
Texas House Bill HB2348

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2348

Filed
2/3/25  
Out of House Committee
4/30/25  
Voted on by House
5/14/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/23/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/28/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to the video recording of a deposition taken of the testimony of certain elderly or disabled persons in a criminal case.

Impact

The bill is expected to alter the admissibility criteria for depositions in criminal hearings, making it easier to present testimony from elderly and disabled individuals who cannot attend court. This statutory change could enhance the protection of their rights and ensure that their voices are heard in the legal process. By providing an alternative to physical presence, the law strives to improve overall access to justice for individuals with limitations due to their age or health.

Summary

House Bill 2348 addresses the process of video recording depositions taken from elderly or disabled individuals in criminal cases. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing court-ordered video recordings to ensure the testimony of these vulnerable individuals can be preserved and utilized in legal settings. The law seeks to facilitate more accessible legal proceedings for those who may face barriers in physically attending court due to age or disability.

Sentiment

Support for the bill appears strong, with a clear legislative majority favoring the proposal. Advocates argue that it reflects a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within the justice system, acknowledging the challenges faced by elderly and disabled individuals. However, there may be concerns about the implications of video-recording procedures, including the need for safeguards to ensure the integrity of the recordings and the authenticity of the testimonies.

Contention

While the bill garnered broad support, some discussions raised points regarding the potential implementation and logistic concerns related to the video deposition process. Critiques focused on ensuring that the technology used for recording is reliable and that appropriate measures are in place to guarantee the protection of individuals' rights throughout this process. Ensuring that the recorded testimony remains a valid and effective component of legal proceedings remains a crucial consideration.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 39. Depositions And Discovery
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 12
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 12
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3183

Relating to the use of in-custody informant testimony in a criminal trial.

TX HB2187

Relating to the criminal offense of abandoning or endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual.

TX HB720

Relating to allowing therapy or facility dogs to accompany a child or a person with a disability during testimony in certain criminal cases.

TX SB139

Relating to allowing therapy or facility dogs to accompany a child or a person with a disability during testimony in certain criminal cases.

TX HB908

Relating to the sealing of and discovery procedures relating to certain recordings of children constituting evidence in a criminal case in a criminal hearing or proceeding; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB802

Relating to the imposition of consecutive sentences for more than one criminal offense of injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual arising out of the same criminal episode.

TX HB412

Relating to requiring the corroboration of certain testimony in a criminal case involving a controlled substance.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1044

Relating to criminal offenses for the creation or distribution of certain misleading images and videos; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.