FL S1440

Authorizes individuals to appear at dependency proceedings through audio or audio-video communication technology by agreement of parties or at court discretion, unless inconsistent with constitutional, statutory, or court requirements.

Requires parties in dependency and arraignment proceedings to provide a primary e-mail address to the court, with courts authorized to excuse the requirement for good cause and mandated to excuse incarcerated individuals not represented by attorneys.

Permits parties to consent to service or notice by e-mail by providing a primary e-mail address to the court clerk in dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings.

Requires summonses and court notices for dependency, arraignment, and juvenile delinquency hearings to include instructions for appearing through audio or audio-video communication technology when applicable.

Authorizes use of audio-video communication technology for testimony of victims or witnesses under age 18 or with intellectual disabilities in legal proceedings, in addition to existing closed-circuit television options.