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

‘I want to see the person’s face’: Houston judges poll attorneys about face masks, COVID-19 reopening precautions — As Texas courts prepare to reopen in-person proceedings as soon as June 1, the Harris County judiciary sent an online survey to measure local lawyers’ feelings about face masks, jury selection and more. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer

Office of Court Administration issues updated statement about ransomware attack — As the investigation and identification of the breach draws to a close, OCA has shifted fully to repair and recovery of the network. — Texas Bar Blog

Federal judge says all Texas voters can apply to vote by mail during pandemic — District Judge Fred Biery granted a preliminary injunction that allows all registered voters to apply to vote by mail during the coronavirus pandemic after finding the state’s existing election rules violate the Equal Protection Clause. — The Texas Tribune

Analysis: It took years for e-filing to roll out. But Zoom’s already taken off in Texas courts — In eight weeks, the use of the technology has skyrocketed, according to data from the Texas Office of Court Administration. (Subscription required) — Texas Lawyer

First Amendment advocates probe court access in a post-pandemic world — Courts in Michigan and Texas have led the way in making use of technology to ensure public access. — Courthouse News Service

Remote Online Notarization (RON) – update — The suspension of the in-person “appearance” requirement will expire upon the earlier of May 30, 2020, or the termination of the Governor’s March 13, 2020 disaster declaration. — JD Supra

11 immigrants sue ICE, seeking release from Alvarado detention center where coronavirus has spread — “An immigration sentence shouldn’t be a death sentence,” lawyer says; federal judge orders U.S. attorney’s office in Dallas to respond by May 29. — The Dallas Morning News

Trump administration announces extension of border-restricted travel — One of the policies quickly returns undocumented immigrants apprehended between ports of entry without allowing them to apply for asylum. — The Texas Tribune

San Antonio restauranteur Jason Dady sues insurance company over lost business — San Antonio restauranteur Jason Dady has joined the ranks of foodservice professionals suing their insurers for denying coverage for lost business during the COVID-19 pandemic. — San Antonio Current

US workers hit McDonald’s with class action over COVID-19 safety — Five McDonald’s workers in Chicago filed a class action lawsuit against the chain on Tuesday, accusing it of failing to adopt government safety guidance on COVID-19 and endangering employees and their families. — Reuters

Family violence rose 12.5% during shelter-at-home orders, UT-Dallas study finds — The data underscores similar experiences of Dallas-area domestic violence and children’s advocacy groups that also saw increased demand before calls declined. — The Dallas Morning News

She walked out of jail into a pandemic. Now she can’t find the help she needs to get back on her feet. — Many reentry services offered to those leaving incarceration — like help with housing and employment — have moved online or been halted since the new coronavirus hit the state. — The Texas Tribune

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