Hello
We are excited to be back in the swing of things at conferences around the state! Don’t forget, this might slow down the legal board or legal call response time if staff is traveling to or teaching at a program.
This round of Updates includes some important legal announcements and links to sign up for several training opportunities, so make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Don’t forget! Every court should have (as of January 1, 2025) a Juvenile/Youth Diversion Plan available for public inspection. For more resources, information, and help with this topic, please see a special post on this blog, The Docket.
Legal Question of the Week
Question: I sent a request to a Health Care Provider for records of a deceased using the form provided on your website. The provider uses an outside company to manage their records. I received a reply that I had to provide an attestation form under the Reproductive Health Care Privacy Final Rule before I can receive the records. Is this proper and, if so, what do I need to attest. Thanks,
Answer: Information on this Rule is found here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/reproductive-health/final-rule-fact-sheet/index.html It seems like an attestation is not necessary, since the records aren’t being sought to investigate lawfulness of reproductive health care. However, you certainly can sign an attestation that you are not seeking the information for any prohibited purposes, since you are not, and that may be easier than arguing about the need. A model form may be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/model-attestation.pdf
Upcoming Webinars
When Evictions Met AirBNB: A Conversation
February 27th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will feature a justice of the peace and constable discussing issues around short-term vacation rentals, tenants vs. lodgers, property owners’ rights, and more.
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JjFkV1wLSqKA4bMj32fjsA#/registration
Restorative Justice Pathways for Juvenile Offenses
March 14th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Explore the critical intersection of emotional hygiene, shame, and juvenile behavior in our powerful session. Discover effective restorative justice strategies designed to promote healing, accountability, and meaningful community involvement within the juvenile justice system. Join us to unlock the power of restorative justice!
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YYucvTYS_C3ZTEKKMh_bQ#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Learn more on an earlier post from The Docket: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates.
Registration Link: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and there is a grant-funded website with resources that anyone can use to share information with the public.
Why??
Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
Often, these teens end up in your court or the public might come in and ask for help with these types of issues. Access the TDVAM website here: https://www.loveisrespect.org/get-involved/tdvam/
