Editor’s Note: State Bar of Texas Executive Director Trey Apffel sent the following message to members on December 18.

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. I am writing to share information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to remind you about the upcoming public forums on the 2021 rules vote.

Office of Court Administration Reiterates Remote Proceedings Mandate, Requires Recertification of In-Person Operating Plans

On December 17, 2020, the Office of Court Administration reiterated that trial judges in district, county, justice, and municipal courts must not hold in-person proceedings in any matter unless the trial judge has used all reasonable efforts to conduct the proceeding remotely. This is mandated by the Texas Supreme Court’s 29th emergency order and is required regardless of whether a city or county has approved an operating plan.

Also, unless local administrative judges and presiding judges of municipal courts re-certify their in-person operating plans before January 1, 2021, courts in their localities may not hold any in-person proceedings.

Details on these new instructions, other court guidance, and local operating plans are on the OCA’s website.