Relating to conducting certain contested case hearings under the Texas workers' compensation system by remote communication.

SB 423 allows workers' compensation dispute hearings in Texas to be held remotely (via phone or videoconference) when both parties agree. It directly affects workers, employers, and the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission by changing how these hearings are conducted. The bill requires the Commission to create rules for remote hearings, including updated notices, technical requirements, and multilingual guides in English and Spanish for submitting evidence. These changes apply only to hearings requested on or after the bill's effective date (September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote for immediate effect).