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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:
    1. 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;
    2. 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;

Read the full Court Order Here