Editor’s Note: The State Bar of Texas is providing a daily 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 Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts.
Important Harvey Links
State Bar Disaster Resources the Public — The State Bar of Texas legal hotline — (800) 504-7030 — helps people find answers to basic legal questions and connects them with local legal aid providers following declared disasters.
State Bar Disaster Resources for Attorneys — Information on this page includes recovery plans, court closures, court orders, and other items.
If you would like to donate money to the hurricane relief effort in Texas, you can give by clicking here.
If you are an attorney who wants to help by giving brief advice, limited-scope service, or full representation to Harvey survivors, please complete the form at texasbar.com/attorneyvolunteer.
Latest Harvey News
Flooded Houston-area homeowners might have been spared ruin — but only if they read the fine print — In the finest of fine print, the county warned in 1997: “This subdivision is adjacent to the Barker Reservoir and is subject to extended controlled inundation under the management of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” — The Dallas Morning News
Houston police chief: State leaders must help rebuild post-Harvey — Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo called on state leaders to help the city rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, proposing a sales tax increase and saying infrastructure should be built to prevent the storm’s destruction from recurring. — The Texas Tribune
Unauthorized dump sites relieve some residents, worry others — As piles of debris continue to mount across the Houston area in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, at least two unauthorized dump sites have built up on private property without required permits from the state environmental commission. — Houston Chronicle
EPA clarifies earlier FEMA statement on Texas toxic sites — The Environmental Protection Agency said Sunday it has recovered 517 containers filled with unidentified, potentially hazardous material found floating in or washed up along Texas waterways after the devastating floods from Hurricane Harvey receded. — The Associated Press
Harris County could see budget cuts due to Hurricane Harvey’s destruction — Harris County government departments could see their budgets reduced by up to 5 percent as property taxes take an expected dip due to Hurricane Harvey’s widespread destruction. — Houston Chronicle
Free counseling to be offered in wake of Harvey — About 100 pro bono counselors will offer free sessions starting Monday to people suffering from lingering mental health issues after Hurricane Harvey, an effort organized by the Texas Psychological Association. — Houston Chronicle
SEC sanctions Dallas company on claims of Harvey relief activities — After weeks of warning about disaster-related scams, the federal government’s top securities regulator has issued its first sanction against a company on suspicion of making inaccurate statements about its hurricane relief activities. — Houston Chronicle
Texas waitress’s good deed goes viral after she gives $100 to Hurricane Harvey evacuees — A Texas waitress is getting notice for a big tip — but one that she gave rather than received. — The Dallas Morning News
Note to Hurricane victims: Insurance fights over Sandy rage on — As Sandy’s fifth anniversary approaches Oct. 29, more than 1,000 families in New York and New Jersey are still fighting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over their flood insurance claims, according to government statistics. — Houston Public Media