89R2313 MLH-D
By: Garcia of Dallas H.B. No. 4696
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the remote participation of certain persons in a
proceeding for the issuance or modification of a protective order.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 84, Family Code, is amended by adding
Section 84.007 to read as follows:
Sec. 84.007. REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY APPLICANT OR WITNESS.
On written request by an applicant or a witness who is to be
protected by a proposed protective order, the court shall provide a
method by which the applicant or witness may give testimony or
otherwise participate in the hearing on the application for the
protective order remotely, unless the court finds there is good
cause to deny the request to participate remotely.
SECTION 2. Chapter 87, Family Code, is amended by adding
Section 87.005 to read as follows:
Sec. 87.005. REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY APPLICANT OR WITNESS.
On written request by an applicant or a witness who is protected by
a protective order, the court shall provide a method by which the
applicant or witness may give testimony or otherwise participate in
the hearing on the motion for modification of the protective order
remotely, unless the court finds there is good cause to deny the
request to participate remotely.
SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act applies to a
proceeding under Subtitle B, Title 4, Family Code, that is pending
on or filed on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.