The bill, S.B. No. 423, amends the Texas Labor Code to allow for certain contested case hearings within the workers' compensation system to be conducted via remote communication, such as telephone or videoconference, upon mutual agreement of the parties involved. Specifically, it modifies Section 410.005(a) to clarify that contested case hearings cannot be held more than 75 miles from the claimant's residence unless good cause is shown for a different location. Additionally, it introduces a new Section 410.0055, which outlines the procedures for conducting these hearings remotely and mandates the commissioner to adopt necessary rules for implementation, including updating notices and providing system requirements and instructional materials in both English and Spanish.

The bill also stipulates that the new provisions will apply to contested case hearings requested on or after the effective date of the Act, while hearings requested prior to that date will continue to be governed by the existing law. The commissioner of workers' compensation is required to adopt rules to implement the new section as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 410.005 (Labor Code 410)