Frequently Asked Questions — Coronavirus Safety Measures at SBOT

• Is the coronavirus disrupting State Bar of Texas services?

• What is the State Bar of Texas doing to address coronavirus concerns?

• Are there court closures related to the coronavirus?

• Is there any guidance for Texas courts regarding the coronavirus?

• Should I report a suspected illness to a court?

• What is the status of TexasBarCLE live courses?

• What if I’m on a State Bar committee or part of a section and am due to attend an upcoming meeting?

• What’s the status of the 2020 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting?

• Will attorneys be needed to represent individuals in the event of mandatory quarantines?

• How are Texas law schools responding to the coronavirus?

Is the coronavirus disrupting State Bar of Texas services?

The State Bar of Texas continues to prove essential services to serve members and the public. However, the bar has taken the following steps out of our commitment to keep the health and safety of our members, employees, and the general public at the forefront of our actions in this rapidly changing situation:

• All State Bar live events scheduled through the end of March—including TexasBarCLE live courses—have been postponed in an effort to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus. Registrants will be contacted directly about any postponed events.

• State Bar live events and meetings scheduled for April and beyond are still on the schedule at this time, but we are evaluating their status daily and will take additional steps as needed.

• State Bar committees are instructed to meet only by teleconference or videoconference.

• State Bar sections are strongly encouraged to hold meetings remotely. We recommend that sections avoid air travel and out-of-state travel where possible, and that they consider canceling events where air travel or out-of-state or international travel are involved.

• Visitors are not allowed inside the Texas Law Center or State Bar regional offices if they fall into one of three categories:

  1. Those who have been, within the past 14 days, in countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a level 2 or level 3 Travel Health Notice.

  2. Those who have traveled internationally within the past 14 days and during that period have experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

  3. Those who have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities.

• Enhanced disinfection of common areas in the Texas Law Center and regional offices continues to occur. At the same time, we are planning for contingencies in case it becomes necessary for some employees to telework so that we can continue to provide core services.

• Non-essential business travel by State Bar staff is not allowed.

The State Bar’s leadership team is closely following developments related to the coronavirus, including government travel guidelines and health advisories, and will notify members of additional disruptions to State Bar services or events.

What is the State Bar of Texas doing to address coronavirus concerns?

TexasBarCLE will offer a free webcast on "Benefits and Challenges of Invoking Force Majeure Clauses in the Age of the Coronavirus” from 11 a.m. to noon CDT on March 18. Go here to register or for more information. 

The State Bar has taken the following steps out of our commitment to keep the health and safety of our members, employees, and the general public at the forefront of our actions in this rapidly changing situation: 

• All State Bar live events scheduled through the end of March—including TexasBarCLE live courses—have been postponed in an effort to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus. Registrants will be contacted directly about any postponed events.

• State Bar live events and meetings scheduled for April and beyond are still on the schedule at this time, but we are evaluating their status daily and will take additional steps as needed.

• State Bar committees are instructed to meet only by teleconference or videoconference.

• State Bar sections are strongly encouraged to hold meetings remotely. We recommend that sections avoid air travel and out-of-state travel where possible, and that they consider canceling events where air travel or out-of-state or international travel are involved.

• Visitors are not allowed inside the Texas Law Center or State Bar regional offices if they fall into one of three categories:

4. Those who have been, within the past 14 days, in countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a level 2 or level 3 Travel Health Notice.

5. Those who have traveled internationally within the past 14 days and during that period have experienced symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

6. Those who have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities.

• Enhanced disinfection of common areas in the Texas Law Center and regional offices continues to occur. At the same time, we are planning for contingencies in case it becomes necessary for some employees to telework so that we can continue to provide core services.

• Non-essential business travel by State Bar staff is not allowed.

The State Bar’s leadership team is closely following developments related to the coronavirus, including government travel guidelines and health advisories, and will notify members of additional disruptions to State Bar services or events.

Are there court closures related to the coronavirus?

Yes. You can check the Office of Court Administration’s website for information on closures or delays reported to the OCA. Texas Lawyer is also compiling a list of court closures, which is available here.

Is there any guidance for Texas courts regarding the coronavirus? 

Yes. The Office of Court Administration has released updated guidance on court procedures for the coronavirus. You can read them here.

The Texas Suprise Court and Court of Criminal Appeals issued an emergency order on March 13 regarding the COVID-19 state of disaster. You can read the order here.

Should I report a suspected illness to a court?

If you or a client has an illness, or if you believe you or a client may have been exposed to the coronavirus, the Office of Court Administration advises that you notify the court before making a court appearance so that the appropriate actions can be taken.

What is the status of TexasBarCLE live courses?

All State Bar live events — including TexasBarCLE live courses — have been postponed through the end of March in an effort to minimize the potential spread of the coronavirus. Registrants will be contacted directly about any postponed events.

State Bar live events and meetings scheduled for April and beyond are still on the schedule at this time, but we are evaluating their status daily and will take additional steps as needed.

What if I’m on a State Bar committee or part of a section and am due to attend an upcoming meeting?

The State Bar is instructing all standing committees to conduct meetings remotely by teleconference or online.

State Bar sections are strongly encouraged to hold meetings remotely. We recommend that sections avoid air travel and out-of-state travel where possible, and recommend that sections consider canceling events where air travel, out-of-state, or international travel are involved. 

If you are planning to attend an upcoming section meeting and feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness such as fever or coughing, please stay home and participate in the meeting remotely.

The bar supports and encourages members to heed the recommendations provided by the CDC with regard to travelers' health. If you attend an in-person event, please follow the CDC’s coronavirus health instructions by frequently washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping a courteous social distance from those around you.

What’s the status of the 2020 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting?

The 2020 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, scheduled for June 25-26 at the Hilton Anatole-Dallas, is proceeding on schedule. The State Bar is working closely with our event partners and host venues to implement additional safeguards at face-to-face events to protect participants. For information on registration or general inquiries, email annualmeeting@texasbar.com or call 800-204-2222, ext. 1515.

Will attorneys be needed to represent individuals in the event of mandatory quarantines?

Yes. The Texas judiciary is preparing for the possibility of needing to hold hearings under Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code (quarantine). One of the provisions of the law requires the appointment of an attorney to represent the person who is subject to the quarantine if the person does not already have an attorney. To facilitate expediency, the Office of Court Administration is gathering the names and contact information of attorneys who are willing or interested in serving as appointed counsel in these cases. If you are interested and willing to serve as appointed counsel, please fill out this form.

The Supreme Court has issued judicial assignments for appellate proceedings under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 81. Read that order here.

How Are Texas Law Schools Responding to the Coronavirus?

The 10 Texas law schools are taking steps to address concerns about coronavirus and to ensure students’ safety. Most law schools have extended spring break for students and a majority will be moving to online-only classes following the return from break. Click here for more information.

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