Allows defendants in Texas justice or municipal courts to appear via telephone or videoconference if in-person attendance would be difficult.

This bill amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow defendants in justice or municipal court proceedings to appear by telephone or videoconference if the justice or judge determines that requiring in-person attendance would impose an undue hardship on the defendant. This provision applies to proceedings that commence before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.

Allows defendants in Texas justice or municipal courts to appear via telephone or videoconference if in-person attendance would be difficult.

This bill amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow defendants in justice or municipal court proceedings to appear by telephone or videoconference if the justice or judge determines that requiring in-person attendance would impose an undue hardship on the defendant. This provision applies to proceedings that commence before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which is September 1, 2025.