Legislature Considering Bills to Allow for Remote Hearings

By Steve Nichols, Contributor Texas lawmakers have introduced bills that would require the Division of Workers’ Compensation to conduct contested case hearings telephonically or by videoconference in some instances. House Bill 4214, by Rep. Carrie Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, and companion measure, Senate Bill 1640, by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, would require the commissioner to adopt rules allowing remote contested case hearings upon mutual agreement of the parties. Contested case hearings are currently live proceedings held in the DWC field office closest to the injured employee...