Allows a defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference in a justice or municipal court if it would be an undue hardship to appear in person.

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

Allows a defendant to appear by telephone or videoconference in a justice or municipal court if it would be an undue hardship to appear in person.

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