87R3895 EAS-F
 
  By: Minjarez H.B. No. 1447
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the use of remote technology when conducting probate or
  guardianship 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 PROBATE
  PROCEEDINGS. (a)  In this section, "remote technology" includes
  teleconference and videoconference technology.
         (b)  A probate proceeding conducted through remote
  technology is considered to be conducted in open court. Testimony
  provided through remote technology in a probate proceeding is
  considered to be taken in open court. A decision, order, decree, or
  judgment rendered through remote technology in a probate proceeding
  is considered to be rendered in open court. 
         (c)  A court that conducts a 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 probate
  proceedings through remote technology.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter C, Chapter 1053, Estates Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1053.106 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1053.106.  USE OF REMOTE TECHNOLOGY IN GUARDIANSHIP
  PROCEEDINGS. (a)  In this section, "remote technology" includes
  teleconference and videoconference technology.
         (b)  A guardianship proceeding conducted through remote
  technology is considered to be conducted in open court. Testimony
  provided through remote technology in a guardianship proceeding is
  considered to be taken in open court. A decision, order, decree, or
  judgment rendered through remote technology in a guardianship
  proceeding is considered to be rendered in open court.
         (c)  A court that conducts a guardianship 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
  guardianship proceedings through remote technology.
         SECTION 3.  The changes in law made by this Act apply to a
  probate or guardianship proceeding that is pending on, or commenced
  on or after, the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.