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
re:SearchTX offers premium features for free through April — At a time when physical access to courts has become difficult, re:SearchTX is providing free access to its premium features through at least the end of April. — Texas Bar Blog
4th Texas execution delayed in midst of virus outbreak — Billy Joe Wardlow’s execution was postponed from April 29 to July 8 because of the coronavirus spread around the state. — The Associated Press
Where and how are criminal defense lawyers making headway on COVID-19 bail motions? — While various courts have issued orders that create ways to expedite bail hearings during the coronavirus pandemic, most are hearing the motions individually. — ABA Journal
Texas’ small-business owners tap patience and experts to navigate coronavirus relief options — Companies trying to prevent layoffs are turning to banks, accountants and nonprofits to help them apply for federal assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. — The Texas Tribune
Health care workers on the front lines of coronavirus don’t get expanded paid sick leave protections — The Labor Department has urged employers to “be judicious” in exempting their workers. Critics say the exemption hurts nurses and doctors, who have already complained about their lack of protective equipment. — The Texas Tribune
US urges Americans abroad to come home now or prepare to be stranded — The State Department has urged Americans stranded abroad during the coronavirus pandemic to either come home or prepare to stay where they are as the United States warns its repatriation efforts will not continue forever. — UPI
The Texas real estate market is headed for a slowdown. The question is for how long. — Experts are concerned for regions like Houston and the Permian Basin, which might feel the economic effects not only of the pandemic, but also of the low price of oil. — Houston Public Media
Theater owner seeks $1M payout under ‘pandemic’ clause — SCGM Inc., which owns a group of theaters, said in its complaint that it went out of its way to get the endorsement in the policy because of the “catastrophic” effect a pandemic would have on its business. (Subscription required) — Law 360
Fox News faces lawsuit over its coronavirus coverage — A transparency watchdog’s lawsuit against Fox News over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic – including repeatedly calling it a hoax during broadcasts – is as novel as the coronavirus but likely won’t get far, according to legal experts. — Courthouse News Service
Texas food banks asking for help to support surge of people in need (audio) — In Texas, food banks are doing what they can to help those facing food insecurity, but they face many challenges. — KUT – Austin
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