Page 453 - Microsoft Word - FY 2022 Adopted Budget Document

Return to Table of Contents

Put Technology to Work

Goal 1: Ensure Availability of Information, Programs, and City Services
Objective 3: Increase Convenience for the Customer
Project Performance Measure(s) City Service Team (Department)
PTW Implement Virtual Court pilot Implementation into business Shared Services (Municipal Court)
1.3.6 program into courtroom dockets practices
Summary:
Milestone Target Date Status
COVID‐19 caused the Municipal Court to rapidly Review benefits and 1 Qtr. FY 2021 Complete
st
adjust and implement two pilot programs. The challenges of the virtual
second pilot program was a virtual court walk in court program
nd
docket to expand the Court’s accessibly to the public Conduct process review 2 Qtr. FY 2021 Complete
through technology and remote options. The and determine
Municipal Court worked with the Judiciary to fast effectiveness of pilot
track a mechanism to provide access to the Court by program.
utilizing the Zoom platform to speak with a Judge Review plans with 3 Qtr. FY 2021 Complete
rd
during a virtual walk‐in court session. The Virtual Judiciary for continued
Court also serves as an open proceeding for public Standing Order approval
access viewing via streamed live sessions. and best practice
revisions
Update: Highlight and promote 3 Qtr. FY 2021 Complete
rd
This authority to continue to conduct virtual dockets virtual court dockets on
and hearings were brought before the legislature. court website
The 87th (R) session bills – SB 690 and HB were filed Implement into business 4 Qtr. FY 2021 Complete
th
and would have amended the Government Code to practices
authorize a court, on the court's motion or the
motion of any party, to conduct a hearing or other
proceeding as a “remote proceeding” without the
consent of the parties unless the US Constitution or
Texas Constitution requires consent.

These bills were not passed during the legislative
session nor the issue introduced in the special
sessions. Therefore, Municipal Courts are not
authorized to continue to conduct Virtual Dockets
and hearings once the Governor’s emergency order
expires. It is unclear when these emergency
declarations will end, and the Court continues to
conduct virtual hearings on an extremely limited
basis. The Court has fully reimplemented in person
dockets and hearings and has established best
practices, policies and procedures for virtual dockets
should COVID‐19 shutdowns return.

67