Williamson County, Texas

Justice Center Operations

COVID-19 Justice Center Operating Status

Updated 8/3/2021

Face coverings required in courtrooms
Social Distancing required throughout building
Courtroom capacity limited to allow for social distancing

Williamson County Justice Center

The front steps of the Williamson County Justice Center

Whether you are visiting this site because you have been summoned to serve as a juror, or you are an attorney representing your client, or you are a party for a case being heard in the Justice Center, we welcome you!

Over the past year, Williamson County has been quite successful in transitioning to virtual operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very sensitive to the health concerns created by COVID-19, and because of this, the Judges at the Justice Center will continue to conduct Court business via video whenever possible. However, as our community gradually reopens, the Justice Center is also beginning to expand in-person operations. Please continue reading for details on procedures at the Williamson County Justice Center and other information you may find helpful.

Stay safe, and be well!

Minimum Health Protocols

Effective 8/2/2021

The Local Health Authority has indicated that vaccination is the most effective mechanism to mitigate against spread of COVID and severity of infection. We urge justice system stakeholders to consult with their medical provider to determine if they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals are responsible for self-monitoring and should not enter the Justice Center if symptomatic for COVID-19. Staff must inform supervisor of COVID-19 symptoms, positive test, or exposure.
Specific minimum health protocols in the Justice Center are tied to the Gating Stages used by the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), and outlined in the chart below.

Health District Gating Stage	Green Normal Community Spread	Yellow Moderate Community Spread	Orange High Community Spread	Red Uncontrolled Community Spread
Face Coverings	Requested of unvaccinated individuals; individual courts have discretion to require in their courtroom.	Requested of unvaccinated individuals; individual courts have discretion to require in their courtroom.	Requested of unvaccinated individuals; individual courts have discretion to require in their courtroom	Requested of all individuals; individual courts have discretion to require in their courtroom.
Social Distancing	Unvaccinated individuals are asked to observe social distancing.	Unvaccinated individuals are asked to observe social distancing.	Required through the building.	Required throughout building
Courtroom Capacity	Not required	Not required	Limited to allow for social distancing.	Limited to allow for social distancing
In Person Proceedings (including Jury Trials)	No Limitation	No Limitation	No limitation, subject to capacity requirements to allow for social distancing.	No limitation, subject to capacity requirements to allow for social distancing

These health protocols have been adopted pursuant to the 40^th Emergency Order of the Texas Supreme Court and in consultation with the Williamson County Local Health Authority.

Justice Center Operating Plan

Effective August 2, 2021, the Local Administrative District Judge adopted the Fourth Revised Operating Plan. This plan governs operations at the Justice Center, including rules related to in-person hearings and jury trials. Counsel are urged to review and retain a copy of the plan and of the Quick Reference Guide, which summarizes the key elements of the Operating Plan.