Editor’s Note: The State Bar of Texas is providing this collection of important links, blog posts, and media stories to keep its members and the public informed of the latest news and resources related to the novel coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the legal community.
Important links
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Legal Resources Page — Texasbar.com/coronavirus
State Bar of Texas Coronavirus Public Resources Page — Texasbar.com/COVIDHelp
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Well-being Resources page — Texasbar.com/remote-well-being
Computer and Technology Section app free to all lawyers, paralegals, students through June — The State Bar of Texas Computer and Technology Section is offering its app designed to deliver Texas laws to users’ fingertips for free to Texas attorneys, paralegals, law students, and clerks through June 30. — Texas Bar Blog
Texas Supreme Court approves July Bar Exam, sets alternative September testing date — The Texas bar examination set for July will continue as scheduled, but an additional testing date also will be offered in September, according to the Texas Supreme Court’s 13th Emergency Order, issued Wednesday. — Texas Bar Blog
Texas lawyers take note: Deadlines extended under new coronavirus order from Supreme Court — The deadline extension is one new development under the 12th emergency order from the high court. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Induction ceremony for February 2020 Texas Bar Exam canceled — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Bar of Texas will not hold a swearing-in ceremony after the February 2020 bar exam results are released. — Texas Bar Blog
Zoom swearing in: New lawyers take the oath remotely — State Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby, in his judicial robe, administered the online oath from his office in Austin. (Subscription required) — Houston Chronicle
Ex-state judge asks for release on COVID-19 risks — Ex-state judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado has formally requested to be released from the facility where more than 200 people have tested positive for the coronavirus. — The (McAllen) Monitor
6th Texas execution delayed as attorneys cite pandemic — Edward Lee Busby’s execution had been set for May 6, but it was stayed for 60 days by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Monday. — The Associated Press
Texas restaurants, retailers and other businesses can reopen Friday. Here’s the rules they have to follow. — Parties of six or less, disposable menus and limited capacity are among the new rules businesses will follow if they open this Friday. — The Texas Tribune
States tell workers they’ll lose unemployment benefits if they refuse to return to jobs — According to the Texas Workforce Commission, to qualify for unemployment benefits in the state, a worker must be “willing and able to work all the days and hours required for the type of work you are seeking.” — The Hill
Labor lawyer explains options for workers who do not feel safe returning to work (video) — Attorney says workers who choose to stay home may lose unemployment benefits unless they provide specific information. — KYTX – Tyler
Coronavirus in greater Houston: Montgomery County to reopen all businesses Friday, citing governor’s ‘vague’ order — Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough on Tuesday said he was preparing to reopen all businesses in the county, saying Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order lifting only some restrictions on business was too vague. — Houston Public Media
Commentary: Mediating in the wake of COVID-19 — Videoconferencing is a “cooler” medium than more traditional mediations. Table-pounding theatrics come across poorly in videoconferences. — Alternative Dispute Resolution blog
As coronavirus continues to spread, doctors urge Americans to get a living will (video) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, doctors around the U.S. are joining lawyers and financial advisors in urging Americans to create essential documents that can help medical providers better coordinate their care. — CNBC
Loopholes in small business relief program allowed thriving companies to cash in (audio) — The Paycheck Protection Program has helped many companies. But the law’s fine print didn’t close all loopholes. — NPR
Texas Supreme Court extends moratorium on evictions until May 18 — Housing advocates say they are still concerned about cases of harassment and the longterm housing safety of vulnerable Texans. — The Texas Tribune
Advocates say Trump isn’t wasting time to snatch land for border wall even during pandemic (audio) — Advocates say the administration is ramping up lawsuits against South Texas landowners to take their land for border wall construction and is accelerating the approval of construction contracts. — Texas Public Radio
Gov. Greg Abbott ends self-quarantine mandate for travelers from Louisiana — Starting Friday, road and air travelers entering Texas from Louisiana will no longer have to self-quarantine for 14 days. — The Texas Tribune
‘It’s frightening.’ Quarantined ICE detainees in El Paso share their stories. (audio) — Women held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in El Paso are expressing growing concern after several detainees tested positive for COVID-19. — Texas Standard
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