Returning After the Holiday
As we head into this first week after the July 4th holiday, our thoughts are will those in the Hill Country and across Texas who were affected by the storms and flooding. At the bottom of this email, we have compiled a list of organizations working on the ground that you may be able to utilize or share with members of your community.
Today’s updates include a few legal announcements, including an emergency order affecting the Hill Country in addition to information about upcoming trainings. Note, we have announced an additional virtual Civil Process Conference for those needing to get their TCOLE requirements this cycle.
We have received several calls about legislative changes. We are hard at work going through the changes to explain them to you and update materials! If you missed it, our legislative update programs are open for registration. Sign up at www.tjctc.org/legislative.
Emergency Order
Today the Texas Supreme Court issued a First Emergency Order on the Hill Country Flood State of Disaster.
Key provisions of the order include:
– Court proceedings throughout Texas should be delayed or modified where reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
– Pursuant to section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code,3 any statute of
limitations applicable to a civil claim is suspended if the claimant shows that
this disaster prevented the timely filing of the claim.
– Pursuant to section 22.0035(b) of the Texas Government Code, all courts in
Texas should consider disaster-caused delays as good cause for modifying or
suspending any deadline or procedure—whether prescribed by statute, rule, or
order—in any case, civil or criminal.
– All attorneys and litigants are strongly encouraged to cooperate with opposing
counsel, opposing parties, and court personnel to reach agreement on
reasonable extensions of time and any other accommodations made necessary
by this disaster.
The order expires on August 6, 2025, unless extended by the Court.
Access the order at this link: https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1460882/259035.pdf
SB 4 Update
n a ruling last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the injunction in place against the execution of Senate Bill 4 from the 2023 legislative session (an immigration law that would allow local police to arrest people they suspect crossed the Texas-Mexico border illegally).
What does this mean?
This means that the laws created by Senate Bill 4 are currently not in effect. If/when there is another update, we will update you.
Read the full order here: https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/24/24-50149-CV1.pdf
Last Civil Process Conference of 2025
Virtual Civil Process Conference
August 19th – 22nd , 2025.
TCOLE #1415 and TCOLE #3131
Note: This will be the final TJCTC course for TCOLE Civil Process (for elected officials) #1415 for this training cycle.
Register by logging in to your TJCTC profile here: https://enroll.tjctc.org/portal/events/reg/participantTypeSelection.do?method=load&entityId=2544790
Impaired Driving Symposium (judges only)
This 8-Hour program will include a range of topics on impaired driving and will include JPs, District Judges, County Judges, and Municipal Judges. Join us from July 30-31 to work with all levels of the judiciary to make Texas roads safer!
This program is sponsored by a generous grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. That means, it is FREE! There is no registration fee and the program comes with 1 free night at the hotel.
Register here: https://enroll.tjctc.org/portal/events/reg/participantTypeSelection.do?method=load&entityId=1898021
Upcoming Training Opportunity
This upcoming conference from Texas Health and Human Services and other partners is a great opportunity for justices of the peace, constables, and other county employees who work in the criminal justice system.
https://txbhjustice.org/the-summit-2025
TAC RMP Regional Pool Workshops
Various Dates from September 23, 2025 – October 02, 2025 (multi-day)
TAC Risk Management Pool Regional Workshops are scheduled around the state and are designed to be small, intense and topic-specific. These one-day sessions will cover the latest in risk control, human resources and law enforcement.
Who Should Attend?
Elected and appointed officials, decision-makers for the Pool, human resource directors and managers, workers’ compensation managers, and department managers or supervisors.
Registration Fees
The workshops are provided at no cost to county officials and staff.
Learn more and register: https://www.county.org/education-and-events/calendar-of-events/2025/tac-rmp-regional-pool-workshop/overview
Upcoming TJCTC Webinars
Justice for All: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Animal Cases in the Courtroom
July 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will address the role of the justice of the peace in animal cruelty cases, as well as other animal-related laws appearing before the court.
In doing so, it will touch upon dangerous dog cases, serious bodily injury cases, civil seizures, appellate process, and thinking outside the box when working with the parties for the greater good of the community.
Register here: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bo5YIvbJQxucJmrU07lp3Q#/registration
Resources for Flood Victims
Red Cross – Information about help and reunification be found on their website – https://www.redcross.org/
2-1-1 Texas – https://www.211texas.org/
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) – https://tdem.texas.gov/
Legal Aid – to find the appropriate legal aid provider visit – https://www.tjctc.org/srl/srl-attorney-search.html
SAMHSA – mental health support – Call SAMHSA at (800) 985-5990 or text 988 to connect with a trained mental health professional.
