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
Harris County courts adjusting after Hurricane Harvey — The administrative judge of courts in hurricane-ravaged Houston has a message for lawyers practicing in Harris County. “We are back up and running,” said 152nd Civil District Judge Bob Schaffer. “We are doing the best we can to get this system where it was before the storm. It’s going to take a while, but that’s our goal.” (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick releases Hurricane Harvey-related interim charges — As recovery efforts in southeast Texas continue after Hurricane Harvey, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Thursday released a list of Harvey-related topics for Texas Senate committees to look into ahead of the next legislative session. — The Texas Tribune
Hundreds of Harvey victims join suit against San Jacinto River Authority — Flood victims in Kingwood are banding together to sue the San Jacinto River Authority. Their homes didn’t initially flood during Hurricane Harvey. Rather, they claim their homes flooded after the river authority opened floodgates at Lake Conroe. — KTRK – Houston
Can flooded-out Houstonians win lawsuits against Army Corps? — During Tropical Storm Harvey, the federal agency released a torrent from Houston’s two reservoirs, knowing it would flood properties downstream. Now, flooded property owners on both sides of the reservoirs are demanding compensation. — The Texas Tribune
‘Neighborhood should have not been built’: Homeowners file lawsuit against developer after flooding issues — When Etti Clingman and her husband bought a house in the Millwood at Riverstone subdivision, they never imagined neighborhood gatherings would include trading flood stories. — KTRK – Houston
Harris County looking at stricter regulations for flood plain development — Harris County officials have recommended replacing the 100-year flood standard that has mapped out hazards and helped shape the county’s booming development, a move that could result in one of the largest overhauls of flood plain regulations in three decades. (Subscription required) — Houston Chronicle
Hey, Texplainer: Will previous home damage affect filing claims post-Harvey? — Previous home damage doesn’t impact someone’s ability to file a claim post-Harvey. And just to be safe, both state and federal officials encourage anyone who sustained home damages during Hurricane Harvey to apply for aid. — The Texas Tribune
EPA finds Harvey damage at Houston Superfund site — The Environmental Protection Agency is ordering companies responsible for cleaning up a Houston Superfund site flooded during Hurricane Harvey to immediately address damage to a protective cap and subsequent high levels of waste material detected in a sediment sample from the site. — The Associated Press
Blown away: On the Texas Coast, a recovery haunted by the past — Since the storm, Carlos Hernandez and his wife have spent most days under a portable canopy in front of their ruined house, looking out at cotton fields stripped clean by Hurricane Harvey’s winds. — Austin American-Statesman
Kingwood residents taking landlord to court — Directly across from Kingwood High School, which suffered so much flood damage it won’t reopen until the fall of 2018, is the Kingwood Lakes apartment complex. It also flooded during Hurricane Harvey as all first-floor units were feet deep in water. — Houston Public Media
How to spot a car with flood damage — As many are dealing with the damage of Hurricane Harvey, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning Texans about scams. There may be some people taking advantage and trying to sell you a flood damaged car. — KWES — Midland
Lawsuit filed against Royal Caribbean over Hurricane Harvey cancellation — A popular cruise line is being sued after passengers said they were forced to fly to Houston at the height of Hurricane Harvey. — KPRC – Houtson
Harvey forecast to exceed Katrina in hotel stays — Hurricane Harvey is expected to fill more hotel rooms in the Houston area than Hurricane Katrina did in 2005, when as many as a quarter-million New Orleanians sought shelter here. — Houston Chronicle