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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the use of remote technology when conducting |
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uncontested probate proceedings. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 53, Estates Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 53.108 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 53.108. USE OF REMOTE TECHNOLOGY IN UNCONTESTED |
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PROBATE PROCEEDINGS. (a) In this section, "remote technology" |
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includes teleconference and videoconference technology. |
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(b) A court shall give each party to an uncontested probate |
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proceeding the option and ability to attend the proceeding through |
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remote technology. |
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(c) An uncontested probate proceeding conducted through |
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remote technology is considered to be conducted in open court. |
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Testimony provided through remote technology in an uncontested |
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probate proceeding is considered to be taken in open court. A |
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decision, order, decree, or judgment rendered through remote |
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technology in an uncontested probate proceeding is considered to be |
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rendered in open court. |
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(d) A court that conducts an uncontested probate proceeding |
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through remote technology must: |
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(1) ensure that the public maintains access to the |
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proceeding; and |
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(2) establish and make readily available to the |
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parties and the public guidelines regarding the conduct of |
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uncontested probate proceedings through remote technology. |
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SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply to a |
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probate proceeding that is pending on, or commenced on or after, the |
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effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |