88R3219 MLH-D
 
  By: Neave Criado, Hull, Anchía, Herrero, Wu, H.B. No. 698
      et al.
 
 
 
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, 2023.