89R8833 EAS-D
By: Johnson H.B. No. 3819
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of remote technology when conducting
uncontested probate proceedings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 53, Estates Code, is
amended by adding Section 53.108 to read as follows:
Sec. 53.108. USE OF REMOTE TECHNOLOGY IN UNCONTESTED
PROBATE PROCEEDINGS. (a) In this section, "remote technology"
includes teleconference and videoconference technology.
(b) A court shall give each party to an uncontested probate
proceeding the option and ability to attend the proceeding through
remote technology.
(c) An uncontested probate proceeding conducted through
remote technology is considered to be conducted in open court.
Testimony provided through remote technology in an uncontested
probate proceeding is considered to be taken in open court. A
decision, order, decree, or judgment rendered through remote
technology in an uncontested probate proceeding is considered to be
rendered in open court.
(d) A court that conducts an uncontested probate proceeding
through remote technology must:
(1) ensure that the public maintains access to the
proceeding; and
(2) establish and make readily available to the
parties and the public guidelines regarding the conduct of
uncontested probate proceedings through remote technology.
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply to a
probate proceeding that is pending on, or commenced on or after, the
effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.