Please see attached documents from Judge Adams.
Attached is the COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary which was approved by the Presiding Judge of the Third Administrative Judicial Region on May 27, 2020. A copy of the email from Judge Stubblefield approving the Plan is also attached. The approval of this Plan will allow courts in Bell County to proceed with non-essential, in person hearings beginning June 1, 2020. These hearings will have to comply with this Plan, the prior orders of the Texas Supreme Court, and the guidelines of the OCA. The District Courts have elected to primarily continue with video-conference hearings via Lifesize through the month of June. We plan to start transitioning to a combination of Lifesize hearings and in person hearings in the month of July. All of this could change, of course, if the Texas Supreme Court and OCA place further restrictions on the courts. For information about procedures for specific courts, please contact the court coordinator for each court by e-mail or as requested by that particular court. In addition, please note that Emergency Order #17 of the Texas Supreme Court, dated May 26, 2020, has extended the suspension of jury trials until at least August 1, 2020.
Gordon G. Adams
Local Administrative Judge
Judge, 169th District Court
Bell County, Texas
Approval Email from Judge Stubblefield - COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary.pdf
COVID-19 Operating Safety Plan for the Bell County Judiciary - Approved.pdf
