PROCEEDINGS AND JUDICIAL ACTIONS BY REMOTE COMMUNICATION

(a) In this section, "remote communication" includes teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and any similar technology. (b) Unless a party files a written objection and except as provided by Subsection (d), an associate judge appointed under this subchapter may conduct a proceeding or perform a judicial action authorized under Section 201.104 from any location in this state using remote communication. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an associate judge appointed under this subchapter may require or authorize a party to participate in a proceeding authorized under Section 201.104 using a method of remote communication available to the party. (d) A respondent is entitled to appear in person at a final hearing that may result in a finding of contempt or revocation of the respondent's community supervision under Chapter 157. The respondent may waive the right to appear in person at the hearing in writing or on the record. Unless the respondent waives that right, the associate judge must also appear at the hearing in person. (e) Section 30.012(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, does not apply to a proceeding conducted using remote communication under this section.