FIRST EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
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Misc. Docket No. 20-9042
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IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TEXAS
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Misc. Docket No. 20-007
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FIRST EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING
THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER
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ORDERED that:
- Governor Abbott has declared a state of disaster in all 254 counties in the State of Texas in response to the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. This order is issued pursuant to Section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code.
- Subject only to constitutional limitations, all courts in Texas may in any case, civil or criminal—and must to avoid risk to court staff, parties, attorneys, jurors, and the public—without a participant’s consent:
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- Modify or suspend any and all deadlines and procedures, whether prescribed by statute, rule, or order, for a stated period ending no later than 30 days after the Governor’s state of disaster has been lifted;
- Allow or require anyone involved in any hearing, deposition, or other proceeding of any kind—including but not limited to a party, attorney, witness, or court reporter, but not including a juror—to participate remotely, such as by teleconferencing, videoconferencing, or other means;