According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), HB 2147 is not expected to result in any significant fiscal implications for the State of Texas. The LBB concludes that any administrative costs associated with the implementation of remote juvenile proceedings, such as developing procedural plans or managing remote hearing logistics, can be absorbed within the existing resources of the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and other relevant judicial agencies.

For local governments, the fiscal impact is likewise anticipated to be negligible. While the bill provides juvenile courts with expanded authority to conduct remote proceedings, it does not mandate any new technology purchases or staffing requirements. Many counties and courts have already adopted remote technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and H.B. 2147 essentially builds upon this existing infrastructure. As such, local jurisdictions are unlikely to incur significant new expenses as a result of this legislation.

In effect, HB 2147 enables greater flexibility and potential long-term cost savings, such as reduced transportation needs for detained juveniles or fewer in-person court appearances, without imposing meaningful new financial burdens on either the state or local governments.

HB 2147 provides a practical and measured expansion of existing policy by allowing all juvenile court proceedings—not just detention hearings—to be conducted remotely. This builds upon previous legislative efforts that proved successful during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since led to improved court efficiency and cost savings for counties and families. By defining "remote proceedings" and requiring each juvenile judge to submit a plan for how these are conducted, the bill ensures a consistent, transparent, and fair process across the state.

Importantly, the bill does not grow the size or scope of government, does not increase the burden on taxpayers, and does not impose any new regulations on individuals or businesses. The Legislative Budget Board confirms that the bill carries no significant fiscal impact, and any administrative costs can be managed with current resources. On the contrary, remote proceedings may help reduce long-term expenses for transportation, lodging, and court personnel.

In simple terms, HB.2147 makes it easier and more affordable for young people and their families to participate in juvenile court by letting more hearings happen online. It’s about saving time, reducing costs, and improving access to justice, especially for those in rural or underserved areas—all while maintaining fairness through required procedural safeguards.

Given its alignment with the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government, and efficient use of public resources, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 2147.

• Individual Liberty: The bill enhances individual liberty by making the juvenile justice system more accessible and less burdensome for youth and their families. Allowing court participation through remote technology removes logistical barriers such as long travel times, missed work or school, and costly accommodations. For many low-income or rural families, these burdens can be substantial obstacles to fully participating in the justice process. By providing a more flexible, user-centered way to access the courts, the bill empowers individuals to exercise their legal rights more easily and equitably.
• Personal Responsibility: Remote participation supports personal responsibility by making it easier for juveniles and their families to fulfill legal obligations, such as attending hearings or providing testimony. When barriers to participation are lowered, compliance is more likely, and individuals are more empowered to engage directly and responsibly with the justice system. This supports the principle that individuals are accountable for their actions, but the system should not impose unnecessary hurdles that hinder that accountability.
• Free Enterprise: The bill does not affect the private sector or commercial regulation. It is narrowly focused on juvenile court operations and does not create new requirements, restrictions, or reporting obligations for businesses. It neither hinders nor expands economic freedom, leaving the principle of free enterprise untouched.
• Private Property Rights: The bill does not implicate private property rights. It does not alter eminent domain powers, property regulations, or legal protections related to ownership or use of property. Its scope is strictly procedural and confined to court operations, leaving this liberty principle unaffected.
• Limited Government: The bill reinforces limited government by modernizing judicial operations without expanding bureaucracy or creating new regulatory burdens. It gives courts the discretion (not a mandate) to hold proceedings remotely and requires transparency through court-submitted procedural plans. The bill does not grow government, create new agencies, or increase taxpayer costs. In fact, it may lead to greater efficiency and cost savings, which aligns with the idea that the government should do only what is necessary, and do it effectively.

• SB 299 (Same As)