Author: Stephanie MacGillivary

  • Supreme Court of Georgia extends restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 12

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    On May 4, 2020, Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Harold D. Melton announced that restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials would be extended through June 12. Under the order, courts will be encouraged to develop plans for resuming nonessential court operations that can be conducted through video or phone conferencing…

  • New Mexico governor to extend stay-at-home order, with exceptions

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    On April 30, 2020, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced during a press conference that the state’s stay-at-home order was extended through May 15.  Prior to the announcement, the stay-at-home order was in effect through April 30. Lujan Grisham also announced during the same press conference a few changes to her directives, effective…

  • Minnesota governor extends stay-at-home order

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    On April 30, 2020, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that the state’s stay-at-home order was extended through May 18. Prior to the announcement, the stay-at-home order was in effect through May 4. So far, 43 of the 50 states issued statewide shutdown orders. Eight of those orders are set to last until modified or rescinded…

  • Utah governor places state under “moderate risk” protocols

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    On April 29, 2020, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (D) issued an executive order that formally placed Utah under “moderate risk” protocols, effective May 1 at 12:01 a.m., according to a press release from the governor’s office.  Under these protocols, residents are encouraged to stay home as much as possible but are allowed to see small…

  • Nevada governor to extend stay-at-home order, announce reopening plans on Thursday

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    On April 29, 2020, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) announced plans to extend the state’s stay-at-home order but stated that he will lift some restrictions that the state put in place, including on outdoor activities and curbside pickup at retailers. He did not state how long the extension of the stay-at-home order would last. Gov. Sisolak…

  • Mississippi executive order extends eviction suspension

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    On April 24, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) issued executive order 1477, extending his “safer-at home” order through May 11. As part of the order, the governor extended the suspension of evictions in the state through May 11. Prior to the order, the suspension on evictions was set to expire on April 24. Ballotpedia is tracking…

  • Federal judge orders transfer of some inmates from federal prison

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    On April 22, U.S. District Court Judge James Gwin for the Northern District of Ohio ordered the transfer or release of certain vulnerable inmate populations from Elkton prison, a federal prison in Ohio, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inmates who are older with underlying health conditions are considered for transfer out of the prison through,…

  • Supreme Court of Georgia holds oral argument via video conferencing

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    On April 20, 2020, The Supreme Court of Georgia held oral arguments via video conferencing. It is the first time in the court’s 175 year history that arguments were held virtually. Ballotpedia is tracking how state courts are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Other recent updates include: Colorado – The Colorado Supreme Court extended its suspension…

  • Coronavirus daily update: April 14, 2020

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    As part of Ballotpedia’s coverage on the coronavirus pandemic, we are compiling a daily summary of major changes in the world of politics, government, and elections happening each day. Here is the summary of changes for April 14, 2020. Debate over government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Read more: Arguments in support of and…

  • Delaware extends state court closure through May 14

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    On April 13, 2020, Delaware Chief Judge Collins Seitz Jr. extended court closures in the state through May 14, except for Delaware’s three Justice of the Peace courts. The three 24-hour courts will remain open to accept bail payments for all courts and Justice of the Peace Court emergency criminal and civil filings. Ballotpedia is…