As MSBA continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our area, we are providing updates regarding Maryland and other local court systems and legislative entities to our members. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves.  Below are the latest updates from Governor Hogan’s office and other updates we have received thus far.

New Executive Order from Governor Hogan – March 30, 2020:

This morning, Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order including a Stay-at-Home Provision, effective at 8:00 p.m. tonight (March 30, 2020). Only essential employees and those with an emergency are exempted. The Governor has not changed the list of essential businesses through this order.

View the Executive Order here: Executive Order (2020.03.30)

Interpretive Guidance on the Order is available here:

OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19-07 (2020.03.30)

OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19-08 (2020.03.30)

Note that paragraph 8 of the second Guidance (COVID19-08) verifies that OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19-04 (2020.03.23) remains in effect. This prior guidance states that law firms may remain open as they are deemed essential as “Government Facilities Sector.”

March 23, 2020:

Today Governor Hogan ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state as of 5 pm: Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland No. 20-03-23-01 (2020.03.23).

Interpretive Guidance has been circulated stating that law offices remain open as they are deemed essential: OLC Interpretive Guidance COVID19 (2020.03.23)

The Guidance states that “government facilities sector” are not required to close. The Government Facilities Sector encompasses private persons and entities that support the judicial system including, but not limited to: i. Lawyers and law firms. ii. Court reporters. iii. Bail bondsmen.

We will continue to update you as we learn more.

 

Click below for details on each entity:

Maryland Federal Courts

Maryland Judiciary

Click here for comprehensive updates regarding the Maryland Judiciary, including:

  • Updated Administrative Orders from the Judiciary
  • Court of Appeals Updates
  • Court of Special Appeals Updates
  • Local Court Updates by Jurisdiction for each Maryland District and Circuit Court

Other Maryland Entities

Click here for updates from:

  • Office of Administrative Hearings
  • Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals
  • Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
  • Department of Assessments and Taxation
  • Maryland Office of the Attorney General
  • Maryland Legislature
  • State of Maryland – for state employees

United States Bankruptcy Court

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

USCIS and EOIR

U.S. Tax Court

D.C. Courts

Updates for the D.C. Court of Appeals and D.C.Superior Court.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

 

LINKS TO RELEVANT ORDERS AND DOCUMENTS:

Maryland Judiciary Administrative Order on Remote Hearings Held During the COVID-19 Emergency (2020.03.20)

Maryland Judiciary Administrative Order on Suspension of Foreclosures and Evictions (2020.03.18)

Maryland Judiciary Administrative Order as to Land Records

Maryland Judiciary Administrative Order on Statewide Judiciary Restricted Operations Due to the COVID-19 Emergency (2020.03.16)

Maryland Judiciary Rules Order (2020.03.16)

Maryland Administrative Order on the Upcoming Emergency Rules Committee Meeting (2020.03.15)

204th Report of the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice & Procedure

Notice from Court of Appeals in Maryland: Meeting on Proposed Rules Changes on March 16, 2020 at 1 p.m. (Including Emergency Powers for Chief Judge of Court of Appeals) (2020.03.13)

Maryland Administrative Order on Statewide Closing of Courts due to COVID-19 (2020.03.13)

Maryland Administrative Order on Statewide Suspension of Non-Essential Judicial Activity (2020.03.12)

Maryland Administrative Order on Suspension of Jury Trials (2020.03.12)

Maryland Administrative Order on Implementation of Remote Electronic Participation in Judicial Proceedings (2018.06.18)

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Letter regarding COVID (2020.03.14)

Baltimore City Circuit Court Order Regarding COVID (2020.03.12)

Dorchester County Circuit Court Order re COVID (2020.03.12)

Montgomery County Circuit Court – 2nd letter Judge Greenberg regarding COVID (2020.03.15)

Montgomery County Circuit Court – Letter from Judge Greenberg re COVID (2020.03.13)

Montgomery County Circuit Court Order Regarding COVID (2020.03.13)

Prince George’s County Circuit Court Order Regarding COVID (2020.03.12)

Queen Anne’s County Administrative Order on COVID (2020.03.13)

US Bankruptcy Court for District of Maryland Order Regarding COVID (2020.03.12)

United States District Court for Maryland Second Amended Order (2020.03.14)

U.S. District Court for District of Maryland Amended Standing Order (2020.03.13)

Standing Order US District Court for the District of Maryland 2020-03 (2020.03.12)

Section 341 Meetings of Creditors (2020.03.16)

MD General Assembly Legislative Order (2020.03.12)

Baltimore Immigration Court Order re Telephonic Appearance and Requests to Continue Judge Kessler (2020.03.16)

Board of Veterans Appeals Virtual Hearing Sheet