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 located at https://www.txwb.uscourts.gov/judges-information.

(a)   Members of the Public Permitted to Appear In-Person.

If a hearing notice allows for in-person appearances, members of the public 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 during an
evidentiary hearing. Members of the public 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 may call in and
observe a non-evidentiary hearing remotely by telephone. A non-evidentiary hearing for these
purposes is one in which a witness is not 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/transcript-and-cd-requests.