Bill > HB3819

This bill amends the Texas Estates Code to allow and mandate the use of remote technology in uncontested probate proceedings, defining remote technology as teleconference and videoconference technologies. The bill requires courts to provide parties the option to attend probate proceedings virtually and ensures that such remote proceedings are legally equivalent to in-person court sessions, with testimony, decisions, orders, decrees, and judgments considered as if they were conducted in open court. Courts conducting these remote proceedings must maintain public access to the proceedings and establish clear guidelines for how these virtual proceedings will be conducted. The changes will apply to probate proceedings that are pending or commenced on or after the effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. The primary goal of this legislation appears to be increasing accessibility and flexibility for participants in uncontested probate matters by allowing them to attend proceedings remotely while preserving the fundamental openness and transparency of court proceedings.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3819