(a) Definition. In this Rule, “remote electronic participation” means simultaneous participation in a judicial proceeding or conference from a remote location by means of telephone, video conferencing, or other electronic means approved in accordance with section (b) of this Rule.

(b) Remote Electronic Participation. Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 3-513, to the extent practicable and in conformance with guidelines established by the Chief Judge of the District Court, after consultation with the State Court Administrator, and posted on the Judiciary website, a presiding judge may permit remote electronic participation by participants. The guidelines shall include provisions that permit interpreters to perform their function and permit confidential communication between attorneys and their clients during a proceeding. If a proceeding that otherwise would be open to the public is conducted entirely by remote electronic means, the court shall ensure that members of the public shall have the ability to listen to the non-redactable portions of the proceeding during the course of the proceeding through remote electronic means.

Committee Note: The use of remote electronic participation under this Rule is in addition to the availability of testimony taken by telephone pursuant to Rule 3-513. The “non-redactable” portions of a proceeding are those portions of the proceeding that are not required to be safeguarded or redacted from an audio recording obtained by a member of the public in accordance with Rule 16-502 (f) and (g).

Cross reference: For provisions concerning the selection, appointment, and use of interpreters for court proceedings, including proceedings in which there is remote electronic participation, see Rule 1-333.

Source: This Rule is new.