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
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Well-being Resources page — Texasbar.com/remote-well-being
Texas Bar executive committee approves COVID-19 emergency resolution at historic remote meeting — The State Bar of Texas’ executive committee on Thursday approved a resolution granting Executive Director Trey Apffel with more authority to respond quickly to the COVID-19 crisis. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer
Office of Court Administration announces travel authorization for Texas attorneys and staff under stay-at-home orders — Texas lawyers should lead by example with telework, alternatives to in-person meetings, and social distancing but also must be permitted to practice law free from local stay-at-home orders, according to the Office of Court Administration. — Texas Bar Blog
Judicial Branch posts YouTube channel directory — The Texas Judicial Branch published a YouTube channel directory listing of courts convening via Zoom. — Texas Bar Blog
How can law firms stay afloat through the novel coronavirus crisis? — When it comes to figuring out what to do with your law firm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are two things lawyers should be thinking about: Who has legal needs and an ability to pay. — ABA Journal
While jury duty is suspended for weeks, some court proceedings still must go on (audio) — Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess explains how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the legal system. — Houston Public Media
Gov. Greg Abbott orders air travelers from New Orleans and around New York to self-quarantine — The order aligns Texas with federal guidance announced Wednesday that aims to contain the spread of the virus outside New York, which has become the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States. — The Texas Tribune
COVID-19 stimulus bill includes more than $1B for criminal justice needs — The $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill passed by the Senate on Wednesday includes more than $1 billion for criminal justice needs, including protective gear for prisons and teleconferencing equipment for the federal judiciary. — ABA Journal
Texas small business gets a lifeline: Up to $10 million with no collateral and loan forgiveness — By holding on to employees, companies can get two months of payroll, rent and other costs through the federal relief package. — The Dallas Morning News
Is Cabela’s an “essential” business? Texas counties differ on who should work during shelter in place — The rules differ from county to county, and many employees are confused about why they’re being called in to work. — The Texas Tribune
Law firms are considered essential businesses in some states amid the coronavirus — Some states, including Illinois and Indiana, have labeled lawyers essential workers who can still go into their offices amid stay-at-home orders aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus. — ABA Journal
Attorneys and advocacy groups adapt for domestic violence survivors amid COVID-19 pandemic — Abusers often use email, social media and cellphones to victimize their partners and monitor their movements. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, attorneys and courts are finding new ways to use technology to keep victims safe. — ABA Journal
Price-gouging allegation leaves 750,000 face masks in limbo — The state of Texas sued a Houston auctioneer on Thursday after halting an auction of 750,000 medical-grade and N95 face masks, alleging price gouging. — The Associated Press
Tougher ID requirements for domestic flights postponed to 2021 — If you don’t already have a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or ID, you have an additional year to get one before you probably need it to board a domestic flight. — NPR
Doctor: Here’s the safe way to unload your groceries amid COVID-19 pandemic (video) — Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen is a family physician at Spectrum Health. — KHOU – Houston
How to make sure you’re not paying for gym services you’re not getting — Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered all gyms and fitness centers to close last week, but you may have noticed your membership fee being auto-drafted from your bank account. — KPRC – Houston
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