Ex. Summary:

House Bill 23-1186 mandates that courts allow remote participation in residential eviction proceedings, ensuring tenants, landlords, and witnesses can attend hearings by phone or video. The bill eliminates barriers such as transportation issues, work conflicts, and disabilities, often preventing tenants from appearing in court. It also allows electronic filing for self-represented tenants, requires clear instructions for remote participation in eviction notices, and mandates that courts address technical failures by rescheduling hearings instead of issuing default judgments. While courts and landlords must adapt to virtual hearings, the law enhances access to justice, reduces eviction default rates, and improves fairness in the eviction process.