IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
As directed by the presiding judge in a bankruptcy case or proceeding, trials and hearings
will be conducted either (1) in-person, (2) remotely by video conference, (3) remotely by
telephone conference, or (4) a combination of in-person and remote appearances. The
hearing notice issued by the clerk of court will inform interested parties of the date, time,
location, and available participation options for the trial or hearing. Additional information
may be found on the presiding judge’s webpage at https://www.txwb.uscourts.gov/judgesinformation.
(a) Members of the Public Permitted to Appear In-Person.
If a hearing notice allows for in-person appearances, members of the public and media may
observe the trial or hearing in the courtroom unless the presiding judge directs otherwise,
such as in sealed, secret, or confidential matters.
(b) Members of the Public Not Permitted to Appear by Video Conference.
In accordance with federal judiciary policy applicable to bankruptcy courts, only parties in
interest, their attorneys, and witnesses may appear remotely by video conference.
Members of the public and media are prohibited from observing a trial or hearing remotely
by video conference.
(c) Members of the Public Permitted to Appear Telephonically in Non-
Evidentiary Hearings.
If a hearing notice allows for telephonic appearances, members of the public and media
may call in and observe a non-evidentiary hearing remotely by telephone. A nonevidentiary
hearing for these purposes is one in which a witness is not expected to testify.
Members of the public and media are prohibited from observing a trial or hearing remotely
by telephone when a witness is expected to testify.
(d) Photographs and Recording of Court Proceedings Prohibited.
Recording, broadcasting, televising, or taking photographs in the courtroom and in adjacent
areas, including the offices of the clerk of court, is strictly prohibited, unless authorized in
writing by the presiding judge. This prohibition applies to all court proceedings regardless
of whether the trial or hearing is in-person, remote, or a combination thereof. The clerk of
court maintains an audio recording of every proceeding, which constitutes the official
record of the proceeding. Information for ordering a copy of an audio recording or
transcript is available on the court’s website at https://www.txwb.uscourts.gov/transcriptand-
cd-requests.
(e) This Order shall become effective immediately.