Texas COVID-19 Regulation Updates

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Libryo was using its regulatory tracking technology to keep this live blog of new law relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any new updates provided highlights of the legislation, key publication information and dates as well as links to the sources.

Live updates: COVID-19 regulations for

Texas

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Last Updated: Tuesday 6 October 2020

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

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This document announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to continue to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Mexico border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in this document.

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Notice Number: 2020-21020

Publication Date: 23 September 2020

Effective Date: 23 September 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-09-23/pdf/2020-21020.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

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This document announces the decision of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to continue to temporarily limit the travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in this document.

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Notice Number: 2020-21019

Publication Date: 23 September 2020

Effective Date: 23 September 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-09-23/pdf/2020-21020.pdf

Proclamation 09.17.2020 (Texas): Declaration of a Public Health Disaster in the State of Texas

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The Commissioner of DSHS has issued a Proclamation updating the public health disaster in Texas because COVID-19 continues to present an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people and creates a substantial risk of public exposure.

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Notice Number: 09.17.2020

Publication Date: 17 September 2020

Effective Date: 17 September 2020

Source: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Declaration-PublicHealthDisaster-Sept17%20(1).pdf

Executive Order GA-30 (Texas): Response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an executive order relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas Reopens: every business establishment in Texas shall operate at no more than 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment, with some exceptions.

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Notice Number: 07.09.2020

Publication Date: 17 September 2020

Effective Date: 17 September 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/GA-30.pdf

Proclamation 07.09.2020 (Texas): Renewing the State of Disaster in Texas

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued a Proclamation renewing the declaration stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.

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Notice Number: 07.09.2020

Publication Date: 7 September 2020

Effective Date: 7 September 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/DISASTER_renewing_covid19_disaster_proclamation_IMAGE_09-07-2020.pdf

Executive Order GA-16 (Texas)

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The Governor of Texas has published Executive Order No. GA-16 relating to the safe, strategic reopening of select services in response to the COVID-19 disaster. The order:

-directs people in Texas to minimize social gatherings and in-person contact between persons who are not from the same household except to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services
-essential services are as defined in the Department of Homeland Services Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0 or any subsequent version
-allows people to make use of reopened services from 24 April 2020
-defines reopened services as any non-essential retail service that can be provided by pickup, mail or delivery in a manner that is consistent with the Department of State Health Services
-in providing or obtaining essential services or reopened services, directs all people and businesses to follow the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practising good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, implementing social distancing, and working from home if possible
-provides that religious services should be conducted according to the Guidelines for Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis
-allows people to visit parks, hunt, fish and exercise provided that social distancing guidelines are followed
-recommends that people continue to work from home where possible
-closes schools for the remainder of the academic year
-encourages teaching to continue online
-provides that people should not visit hospitals, nursing homes or other care facilities except to provide critical assistance or according to Texas Health and Human Services Commission guidelines and
-provides that this executive order overrides any local orders that are inconsistent with it

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Notice Number: GA-16

Publication Date: 20 April 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-16_Opening_Texas_COVID-19_FINAL_04-17-2020.pdf

Last Updated: Friday 17 April 2020

COVID-19 Resources Job Seekers (Texas)

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The Texas Workforce Commission has published guidelines to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that:

-outline the different types of benefits available to workers who are unable to work because of COVID-19 and
-explain how to avail of these benefits.

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Publication Date: 8 April 2020

Effective Date: 8 April 2020

Source: https://www.twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers

Executive Order GA-14 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published an executive order with effect from 2 April 2020 until 30 April:

-minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household, except to provide or obtain essential services
-essential services are those listed in the ADVISORY MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
-provide services through remote telework from home, and if this is not possible, then observe good hygiene and social distancing practices
-avoid attending restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms etc and use drive-through, deliver and pickup options for food and drinks
-do not visit nursing homes or similar facilities except to provide critical services

This executive order supersedes Executive Order GA-08.

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Published in terms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates - USA

Notice Number: GA-14

Publication Date: 31 March 2020

Effective Date: 2 April 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-14_Statewide_Essential_Service_and_Activity_COVID-19_IMAGE_03-31-2020.pdf

Executive Order GA-12 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published an executive order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that, with effect from 30 March 2020:

-requires persons entering Texas by road from Louisiana to self-quarantine for 14 days unless the travel is to provide emergency support services and
-any such person showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection will be escorted to a designated quarantine center
-those in self-quarantine are responsible for their own costs during the quarantine period

Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both.

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Notice Number: GA-12

Publication Date: 26 March 2020

Effective Date: 27 March 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-12_roadway_quarantine_for_COVID-19_IMAGE_03-29-2020.pdf

Proclamation 41-3725 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published a proclamation that expands the list of states and cities addressed in Executive Order GA-11 to include, with effect from 30 March 2020:

-State of California
-State of Louisiana
-State of Washington
-City of Atlanta, Georgia
-City of Chicago, Illinois
-City of Detroit, Michigan
-City of Miami, Florida

According to EO GA-11 any person arriving in Texas as a final destination via an airport in one of these locations is subject to a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days, unless they are providing emergency support services. Any such person showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection will be escorted to a designated quarantine center. Those in self-quarantine are responsible for their own costs during the quarantine period.

Failure to comply with the original order is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both.

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Notice Number: PROCLAMATION 41-3725

Publication Date: 29 March 2020

Effective Date: 30 March 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-extends-disaster-declaration-for-covid-192

Executive Order GA-11 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published an executive order that, with effect from 28 March 2020:

-any person arriving in Texas as a final destination via an airport in the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or the City of New Orleans is subject to a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days, unless they are providing emergency support services
-any such person showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection will be escorted to a designated quarantine centre
-those in self-quarantine are responsible for their own costs during the quarantine period

Failure to comply with the order is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, confinement in jail for up to 180 days, or both.

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Notice Number: GA-11

Publication Date: 26 March 2020

Effective Date: 28 March 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-11_airport_travel_reporting_COVID-19_IMAGE_03-26-2020.pdf

Executive Order GA-08 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published an executive order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that, with effect from 20 March 2020:

-limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people
-requires people in Texas to avoid restaurants, bars, gyms and other establishments
-restricts visits to nursing homes or long-term care facilities except to provide critical assistance
-closes schools in Texas and
-encourages drive through and takeaway food services.

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Notice Number: GA-08

Publication Date: 16 March 2020

Effective Date: 17 March 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA_08_COVID-19_preparedness_and_mitigation_FINAL_03-19-2020_1.pdf

US Executive Order 13916: National Emergency Authority To Temporarily Extend Deadlines for Certain Estimated Payments

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The President of the United States has published an executive order directing the Secretary of the Treasury to consider taking action to extend deadlines for various estimated payments for importers who are suffering significant financial hardship because of COVID–19.

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Notice Number: 2020-08846

Publication Date: 23 April 2020

Effective Date: 18 April 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-04-23/pdf/2020-08846.pdf

US Temporary Final Rule (19 CFR Part 24): Temporary Postponement of the Time to Deposit Certain Estimated Duties, Taxes, and Fees During the National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

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The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the designee of the Secretary of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) has issued a temporary final rule amending the Customs and Border Protection regulations.

The amendment temporarily postpones the deadline for importers of record with a significant financial hardship to deposit certain estimated duties, taxes, and fees that they would ordinarily be obligated to pay as of the date of entry, or withdrawal from warehouse, for consumption.

The postponement relates to merchandise entered in March or April 2020, for a period of 90 days from the date that the deposit would otherwise have been due but for this emergency action.

To qualify for this temporary postponement, an importer must demonstrate a significant financial hardship. An eligible importer's operation must be fully or partially suspended during March or April 2020 due to government orders limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings because of COVID-19. As a result of the suspension of its operations, the gross receipts of such importer for March 13-31, 2020, or April 2020 must be less than 60 percent of the gross receipts for the comparable period in 2019.

An eligible importer need not file additional documentation with CBP to be eligible for this relief but must maintain documentation as part of its books and records establishing that it meets the requirements for relief.

This temporary postponement does not permit the return of any deposits of estimated duties, taxes, and/or fees that have been paid. It also does not apply to entries or withdrawals from warehouse, subject to certain specified trade remedies, and any entry summary that includes merchandise subject to those trade remedies is not eligible under this rule.

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Notice Number: 2020-08618

Publication Date: 22 April 2020
Effective Date: 20 April 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-04-22/pdf/2020-08618.pdf

Executive Order GA-17 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has published an executive order to establish the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas which will advise the governor on safely and strategically restarting and revitalizing all aspects of the state including work, school, entertainment, and culture.

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Notice Number: GA-17

Publication Date: 17 April 2020

Effective Date: 17 April 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-17_Open_Texas_Strike_Force_COVID-19_IMAGE_04-17-2020.pdf

Executive Order GA-18 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an Executive order relating to the reopening of services as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID- 19 disaster. In terms of the order every person must:

- except to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household
- maintain appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and,
- if leaving the home, implement social distancing and practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation

Essential services are those listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 3.0, and reopened services are described in the Executive Order.

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Notice Number: GA-18

Publication Date: 28 April 2020

Effective Date: 27 April 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-18_expanded_reopening_of_services_COVID-19.pdf

Executive Order GA-20 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an Executive order expanding travel without restrictions as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.

The order eases quarantine restrictions on those travelling to Texas from New Orleans and Louisiana.

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Notice Number: GA-20

Publication Date: 27 April 2020

Effective Date: 1 May 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-20_expanding_travel_without_restrictions_COVID-19.pdf

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

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The President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act into law to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.

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Notice Number: 116-136

Publication Date: 27 April 2020

Effective Date: 27 April 2020

Source: https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr748/BILLS-116hr748enr.pdf

Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

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The President has signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act into law to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak by providing additional funding for small business loans, health care providers, and COVID-19 testing.

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Notice Number: 116-139

Publication Date: 27 April 2020

Effective Date: 24 April 2020

Source: https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr266/BILLS-116hr266enr.pdf

Proclamation 10014 (US)

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The President of the United States has signed a proclamation suspending entry into the United States of certain immigrants. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, 23 April 2020 and expires in 60 days, unless continued by the President. 

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Notice Number: 2020-09068

Publication Date: 27 April 2020

Effective Date: 23 April 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-04-27/pdf/2020-09068.pdf

13 CFR Part 120: Small Business Administration Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Additional Criterion for Seasonal Employers

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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue regulations for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), including regulations that allow additional lenders to originate loans and establish terms and conditions.

In this interim final rule, Treasury authorizes all lenders eligible to originate loans under the PPP to use an alternative criterion for calculating the maximum loan amount for PPP loans issued to seasonal employers.

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Notice Number: 2020-09239

Publication Date: 30 April 2020

Effective Date: 30 April 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-04-30/pdf/2020-09239.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Corporate Groups and Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders (Small Business Administration)

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The Small Business Administration has published an interim final rule that supplements previously posted interim final rules by limiting the amount of Paycheck Protection Program loans that any single corporate group may receive, and provides additional guidance on the criteria for non-bank lender participation in the PPP.

This interim final rule applies to applications submitted under the Paycheck Protection Program through June 30, 2020, or until funds made available for this purpose are exhausted.

Comments must be received on or before June 3, 2020.

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Notice Number: 2020-09576

Publication Date: 4 May 2020

Effective Date: 4 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-04/pdf/2020-09576.pdf

Extension of Certain Timeframes for Employee Benefit Plans, Participants, and Beneficiaries Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak (IRS)

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The Employee Benefits Security Administration and Internal Revenue Services have published a document announcing the extension of certain timeframes under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code for group health plans, disability and other welfare plans, pension plans, and participants and beneficiaries of these plans during the COVID-19 National Emergency.

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Notice Number: 2020-09399

Publication Date: 4 May 2020

Effective Date: 4 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-04/pdf/2020-09399.pdf

Executive Order 13920: Securing the United States Bulk-Power System (US)

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The President of the United States of America has declared a national emergency with respect to the threat to the United States bulk-power system, and has prohibited certain actions relating to bulk-power system electric equipment.

These include acquisition, importation, transfer, or installation of any bulk-power system electric equipment where the transaction involves any property in which any foreign country or one of its nationals has any interest, where the transaction was initiated after the date of this order, and where certain officials have determined that:

- the transaction involves bulk-power system electric equipment designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied, by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary; and

- the transaction:

- poses an undue risk of sabotage to or subversion of the design, integrity, manufacturing, production, distribution, installation, operation, or maintenance of the bulk-power system in the United States;
- poses an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of United States critical infrastructure or the economy of the United States; or
- otherwise poses an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.

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Notice Number: 2020-09695

Publication Date: 4 May 2020

Effective Date: 1 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-04/pdf/2020-09695.pdf

Executive Order 13917: Delegating Authority Under the Defense Production Act With Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID-19

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The President of the United States of America has signed an executive order relating to beef, pork and poultry processors.

The order provides that it is important that processors of beef, pork, and poultry in the food supply chain continue operating and fulfilling orders to ensure a continued supply of protein for Americans. However, outbreaks of COVID-19 among workers at some processing facilities have led to a reduction in some of those facilities' production capacity. In addition, recent actions in some States have led to the complete closure of some large processing facilities. Such actions may differ from or be inconsistent with interim guidance recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the Department of Labor entitled “Meat and Poultry Processing Workers and Employers” providing for the safe operation of such facilities.

Closures threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain, undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency. Given the high volume of meat and poultry processed by many facilities, any unnecessary closures can quickly have a large effect on the food supply chain.

The executive order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to take action to ensure that meat and poultry processors continue operations consistent with the guidance for their operations jointly issued by the CDC and OSHA.

Under the delegation of authority provided in the order, the Secretary of Agriculture may identify additional specific food supply chain resources that require the same treatment.

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Notice Number: 2020-09536

Publication Date: 1 May 2020

Effective Date: 28 April 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-01/pdf/2020-09536.pdf

Executive Order GA-21 (Texas)

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an Executive order to expand the opening of certain businesses and activities in Texas. All newly opened businesses and services are subject to the recommended minimum standard health protocols outlined by the Department of State Health Services.

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Notice Number: GA-21

Publication Date: 5th May 2020

Effective Date: 5th May 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/GA-21.pdf

17 CFR Parts 227 and 239: Temporary Amendments to Regulation Crowdfunding (SEC)

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The Securities and Exchange Commission is adopting temporary final rules to facilitate capital formation for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The temporary final rules are intended to expedite the offering process for smaller, previously established companies directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19 that are seeking to meet their funding needs through the offer and sale of securities pursuant to Regulation Crowdfunding.

The temporary final rules are designed to facilitate this offering process by providing tailored, conditional relief from certain requirements of Regulation Crowdfunding relating to the timing of the offering and the availability of financial statements required to be included in issuers' offering materials while retaining appropriate investor protections.

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Notice Number: 2020-09806

Publication Date: 7 May 2020

Effective Date: 4 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-07/pdf/2020-09806.pdf

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The Department of Homeland Security has published a temporary final rule that, as a result of disruptions and uncertainty to the U.S. economy and international travel caused by the global novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, amends the regulations regarding certain temporary nonagricultural workers, and their U.S. employers, within the H-2B nonimmigrant classification.

The Department is temporarily removing certain limitations on employers or U.S. agents seeking to hire certain H-2B workers already in the United States to provide temporary labor or services essential to the U.S. food supply chain, and certain H-2B workers, who are essential to the U.S. food supply chain, seeking to extend their stay.

This final rule is effective from May 14, 2020, through May 15, 2023. Employers may request the flexibilities under this rule by filing an H-2B petition, including the new attestation and all required evidence, on or after the effective date of this rule and until 120 days thereafter.

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Notice Number: 2020-10486

Publication Date: 14th May 2020

Effective Date: 14th May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-14/pdf/2020-10486.pdf

Executive Order GA-23 (Texas): Relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster

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The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an Executive Order relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster. The Executive order sets out details, limitations and transition dates for various businesses and organizations.

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Notice Number: GA-23

Publication Date: 18 May 2020

Effective Date: 18 May 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/GA-23.pdf

Declaration of a Public Health Disaster in the State of Texas

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The Commissioner of Public Health has declared a public health disaster in Texas, because COVID‑19 continues to present an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people, and creates a substantial risk of public exposure because of the disease’s method of transmission and evidence that there is community spread in Texas. Each person must:

- act responsibly to prevent and control the communicable disease.
- undertake hygiene, cleanliness and sanitation practices that are accessible, affordable and known to be effective against COVID-19
- abide by Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Orders
- if known to have, or if under investigation or monitoring for COVID-19, adhere to the direction provided duly authorized persons, including public health officials
- if they are ill, especially with symptoms consistent with influenza or COVID-19, isolate at home until recovery
- present for medical evaluation and treatment if their symptoms are such that they cannot continue to be cared for where they are

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Notice Number: 15.2020

Publication Date: 15 May 2020

Effective Date: 15 May 2020

Source: file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Declaration-PublicHealthDisaster-May15.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Extension of Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning Need for PPP Loan Request

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On April 24, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted an interim final rule relating to promissory notes, authorizations, affiliation, and eligibility in connection with the implementation of a temporary new program, titled the “Paycheck Protection Program.” The Paycheck Protection Program was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act). The SBA has published an interim final rule that supplements its implementation of the Act and requests public comment.

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Notice Number: 2020-10649

Publication Date: 19 May 2020

Effective Date: 19 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-19/pdf/2020-10649.pdf

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The Secretary of Homeland Security has announced a decision to implement enhanced protocols for persons entering the US from Brazil by directing all flights to the United States carrying persons who have recently traveled from, or were otherwise present in Brazil to arrive at one of the airports where the Government is focusing public health resources. This is in addition to protocols implemented in the past for flights from other countries.

The document also adds two airports (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH)) to the list of airports where such flights may land.

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Notice Number: 2020-11576

Publication Date: 28 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-28/pdf/2020-11576.pdf

Amendment to Proclamation of May 24, 2020, Suspending Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

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The President has issued a Proclamation that amends the Proclamation 10041 of May 24, 2020, titled “Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus” to make the effective date of that Proclamation 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 26, 2020. Proclamation 10041 does not apply to persons aboard a flight scheduled to arrive in the United States that departed prior to 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on May 26, 2020.

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Notice Number: 2020-11670

Publication Date: 28 May 2020

Effective Date: 28 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-28/pdf/2020-11670.pdf

Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

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The Executive Office of the President has released a proclamation that suspends and limits entry into the United States of all aliens who were physically present within the Federative Republic of Brazil during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. The effective date is indicated in the Proclamation as 28 May 2020, although this date was later amended in Proclamation 10042 to 26 May 2020.

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Notice Number: 2020-11616

Publication Date: 28 May 2020

Effective Date: 28 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-05-28/pdf/2020-11616.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Loan Forgiveness

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On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted an interim final rule announcing the implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act temporarily adds a new program, titled the “Paycheck Protection Program,” to the SBA's 7(a) Loan Program. The CARES Act also provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is intended to provide economic relief to small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SBA posted various additional interim final rules, and the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) posted an additional interim final rule on April 27, 2020.

This interim final rule supplements the previously posted interim final rules in order to help PPP borrowers prepare and submit loan forgiveness applications as provided for in the CARES Act, help PPP lenders who will be making the loan forgiveness decisions, inform borrowers and lenders of SBA's process for reviewing PPP loan applications and loan forgiveness applications, and requests public comment.

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Notice Number: 2020-11536

Publication Date: 1 June 2020

Effective Date: 28 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-01/pdf/2020-11536.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-SBA Loan Review Procedures and Related Borrower and Lender Responsibilities

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On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted an interim final rule announcing the implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act temporarily adds a new program, titled the “Paycheck Protection Program,” to the SBA's 7(a) Loan Program. The CARES Act also provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount of qualifying loans guaranteed under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is intended to provide economic relief to small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). SBA posted additional interim final rules on various dates and the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) posted an additional interim final rule on April 27, 2020. SBA and Treasury posted an interim final rule on Loan Forgiveness contemporaneously with this interim final rule on May 22, 2020.

This interim final rule supplements the previously posted interim final rules in order to inform borrowers and lenders of SBA's process for reviewing PPP loan applications and loan forgiveness applications, and requests public comment.

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Notice Number: 2020-11533

Publication Date: 1 June 2020

Effective Date: 28 May 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-01/pdf/2020-11533.pdf

Executive Order GA-26 (Texas): Relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster

Highlight:

The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an executive order that permits every business establishment in Texas to operate at at least 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment, with some limitations and exceptions.

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Notice Number: GA-26

Publication Date: 3 June 2020

Effective Date: 3 June 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/GA-26.pdf

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020

Highlight:

The President has signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act that modifies provisions related to the forgiveness of loans made to small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program implemented in response to COVID-19 (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019).

Specifically, the law:

- establishes a minimum maturity of five years for a paycheck protection loan with a remaining balance after forgiveness
- extends the covered period during which a loan recipient may use such funds for certain expenses while remaining eligible for forgiveness
- raises the non-payroll portion of a forgivable covered loan amount from the current 25% up to 40%
- extends the period in which an employer may rehire or eliminate a reduction in employment, salary, or wages that would otherwise reduce the forgivable amount of a paycheck protection loan. (However, the forgivable amount must be determined without regard to a reduction in the number of employees if the recipient is (1) unable to rehire former employees and is unable to hire similarly qualified employees, or (2) unable to return to the same level of business activity due to compliance with federal requirements or guidance related to COVID-19.)
- revises the deferral period for paycheck protection loans, allowing recipients to defer payments until they receive compensation for forgiven amounts (Recipients who do not apply for forgiveness shall have 10 months from the program's expiration to begin making payments.)
- eliminates a provision that makes a paycheck protection loan recipient who has such indebtedness forgiven ineligible to defer payroll tax payments
- is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) and the Senate PAYGO rule

[Adapted from a summary by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress.]

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Notice Number: H.R.7010

Publication Date: 5 June 2020

Effective Date: 5 June 2020

Source: https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr7010/BILLS-116hr7010enr.pdf

Proclamation 06.11.2020 (Texas)

Highlight:

The Governor of the State of Texas has issued a proclamation renewing the disaster proclamation for all counties in Texas.

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Notice Number: 06.11.2020

Publication Date: 11 June 2020

Effective Date: 11 June 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/proc06112020.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Revisions to First Interim Final Rule

Highlight:

On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted on its website an interim final rule relating to the implementation of sections 1102 and 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act). Section 1102 of the Act temporarily adds a new product, titled the “Paycheck Protection Program,” to the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA's) 7(a) Loan Program. Subsequently, SBA issued a number of interim final rules implementing the Paycheck Protection Program. On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (Flexibility Act) was signed into law, amending the CARES Act.

This interim final rule revises SBA's interim final rule published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2020, by changing key provisions, such as the loan maturity, deferral of loan payments, and forgiveness provisions, to conform to the Flexibility Act. SBA also is making conforming amendments to the use of PPP loan proceeds for consistency with amendments made in the Flexibility Act. Several of these amendments are retroactive to the date of enactment of the CARES Act, as required by section 3(d) of the Flexibility Act.

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Notice Number: 2020-12909

Publication Date: 16 June 2020

Effective Date: 27 June 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-16/pdf/2020-12909.pdf

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Revisions to the Third and Sixth Interim Final Rules

Highlight:

On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) posted on its website an interim final rule relating to the implementation of sections 1102 and 1106 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act) (published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2020). Section 1102 of the Act temporarily adds a new product, titled the “Paycheck Protection Program,” to SBA's 7(a) Loan Program. Subsequently, SBA and Treasury issued additional interim final rules implementing the Paycheck Protection Program. On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (Flexibility Act) was signed into law, amending the CARES Act.

This interim final rule revises interim final rules posted on SBA's website on April 14, 2020 (published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2020) and April 28, 2020 (published in the Federal Register on May 4, 2020), by changing provisions to conform to the Flexibility Act. Several of these amendments are retroactive to the date of enactment of the CARES Act, as required by section 3(d) of the Flexibility Act.

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Notice Number: 2020-13293

Publication Date: 19 June 2020

Effective Date: 27 March 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-19/pdf/2020-13293.pdf

Executive Order GA-26 (Texas): Amending GA-26

Highlight:

The Governor of the State of Texas has issued an executive order that updates Executive Order GA-26 by permitting mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on certain outdoor gatherings of over 100 people.

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Notice Number: GA-26 (Amended)

Publication Date: 23 June 2020

Effective Date: 23 June 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/DISASTER_proclamation_amending_GA-26.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Highlight:

The Secretary of Homeland Security has announced the continuation of the temporarily limit on travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in the document.

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Notice Number: 2020-13676

Publication Date: 24 June 2020

Effective Date: 23 March 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-24/pdf/2020-13676.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Highlight:

The Secretary of Homeland Security has announced the continuation of the temporarily limit on travel of individuals from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Mexico border. Such travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in the document.

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Notice Number: 2020-13677

Publication Date: 24 June 2020

Effective Date: 23 March 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-06-24/pdf/2020-13677.pdf

Highlight:

The President of the United States of America amended proclamation 10052 dealing with "Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak" by noting that the limit to entry applies to anyone who does not have a valid nonimmigrant visa in the same category in which he or she is seeking entry.

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Notice Number: 2020-14510

Publication Date: 2 July 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-02/pdf/2020-14510.pdf

Proclamation 07.10.2020 (Texas): Renewing the declaration stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.

Highlight:

The Governor of the State of Texas has issued a Proclamation renewing the disaster proclamation for all counties in Texas.

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Notice Number: 07.10.2020

Publication Date: 10 July 2020

Effective Date: 10 July 2020

Source: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/govdocs/Greg%20Abbott/2020/proc07102020.pdf

Community Advantage Pilot Program Temporary Changes-Community Advantage Recovery Loans

Highlight:

The Community Advantage (CA) Pilot Program is a pilot program to increase SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses in underserved areas. In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, SBA has developed a new, temporary CA loan product titled “Community Advantage Recovery Loans” (CA Recovery Loans) for eligible CA Lenders to provide technical and financial assistance to assist small businesses located in underserved areas with retooling their business models for the COVID-19 environment and building financial resiliency against potential future disruptions. SBA is issuing this document to provide the specific requirements for CA Recovery Loans.

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Notice Number: 2020-14852

Publication Date: 15th July 2020

Effective Date: 15th July 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-15/pdf/2020-14852.

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Highlight:

The Secretary of Homeland Security has published a decision to continue temporarily limiting the travel of individuals from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Mexico border. Travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in the document.

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Notice Number: 2020-15954

Publication Date: 22 July 2020

Effective Date: 22 July 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-22/pdf/2020-15954.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable To Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Highlight:

The Secretary of Homeland Security has published a decision to continue temporarily limiting the travel of individuals from Canada into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States-Canada border. Travel will be limited to “essential travel,” as further defined in the document.

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Notice Number: 2020-15955

Publication Date: 22 July 2020

Effective Date: 22 July 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-07-22/pdf/2020-15955.pdf

Proclamation 08.08.2020 (Texas): Renewing the declaration stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.

Highlight:

The Governor of the State of Texas has issued a Proclamation renewing the disaster proclamation for all counties in Texas.

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Notice Number: 08.08.2020

Publication Date: 8 August 2020

Effective Date: 8 August 2020

Source: https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/DISASTER_renewing_covid19_disaster_proclamation_IMAGE_08-08-2020.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Highlight:

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Notice Number: 2020-18468

Publication Date: 21 August 2020

Effective Date: 21 August 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-21/pdf/2020-18468.pdf

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Highlight:

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Notice Number: 2020-18470

Publication Date: 21 August 2020

Effective Date: 21 August 2020

Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-21/pdf/2020-18470.pdf

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Texas COVID-19 Regulation Updates

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Last Updated: Tuesday 6 October 2020

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Proclamation 09.17.2020 (Texas): Declaration of a Public Health Disaster in the State of Texas

Executive Order GA-30 (Texas): Response to the COVID-19 disaster as Texas reopens

Proclamation 07.09.2020 (Texas): Renewing the State of Disaster in Texas

Executive Order GA-16 (Texas)

Last Updated: Friday 17 April 2020

COVID-19 Resources Job Seekers (Texas)

Executive Order GA-14 (Texas)

Executive Order GA-12 (Texas)

Proclamation 41-3725 (Texas)

Executive Order GA-11 (Texas)

Executive Order GA-08 (Texas)

US Executive Order 13916: National Emergency Authority To Temporarily Extend Deadlines for Certain Estimated Payments

US Temporary Final Rule (19 CFR Part 24): Temporary Postponement of the Time to Deposit Certain Estimated Duties, Taxes, and Fees During the National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

Executive Order GA-17 (Texas)

Executive Order GA-18 (Texas)

Executive Order GA-20 (Texas)

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

Proclamation 10014 (US)

13 CFR Part 120: Small Business Administration Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Additional Criterion for Seasonal Employers

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Corporate Groups and Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders (Small Business Administration)

Extension of Certain Timeframes for Employee Benefit Plans, Participants, and Beneficiaries Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak (IRS)

Executive Order 13920: Securing the United States Bulk-Power System (US)

Executive Order 13917: Delegating Authority Under the Defense Production Act With Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID-19

Executive Order GA-21 (Texas)

17 CFR Parts 227 and 239: Temporary Amendments to Regulation Crowdfunding (SEC)

Federal Delay in Opening of 2019 EEO-1 Component 1 and 2020 EEO-3 and 2020 EEO-5 Data Collections Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Nondiscrimination and Additional Eligibility Criteria

Executive Order GA-22 (Texas): Relating to confinement during the COVID-19 disaster

Guidance Documents Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); Availability (Food and Drug Administration)

Proclamation 05.12.2020 (Texas)

Temporary Changes to Requirements Affecting H-2B Nonimmigrants Due to the COVID-19 National Emergency (Department of Homeland Security)

Executive Order GA-23 (Texas): Relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster

Declaration of a Public Health Disaster in the State of Texas

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Extension of Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning Need for PPP Loan Request

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Loan Increases

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Eligibility of Certain Electric Cooperatives

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Treatment of Entities With Foreign Affiliates

Executive Order GA-24 (Texas): Terminating Air Travel Restrictions Related To COVID-19 Pandemic

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Second Extension of Limited Safe Harbor With Respect to Certification Concerning Need for PPP Loan and Lender Reporting

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Executive Order GA-23 Amended (Texas): Relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster

Notification of Arrival Restrictions Applicable to Flights Carrying Persons Who Have Recently Traveled From or Were Otherwise Present Within the Federative Republic of Brazil

Amendment to Proclamation of May 24, 2020, Suspending Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Requirements-Loan Forgiveness

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-SBA Loan Review Procedures and Related Borrower and Lender Responsibilities

Executive Order GA-26 (Texas): Relating to the expanded opening of Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020

Proclamation 06.11.2020 (Texas)

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Revisions to First Interim Final Rule

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Revisions to the Third and Sixth Interim Final Rules

Executive Order GA-26 (Texas): Amending GA-26

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Revisions to Loan Forgiveness and Loan Review Procedures Interim Final Rules

Executive Order GA-28 (Texas): Relating to the targeted response to the COVID-19 disaster as part of the reopening of Texas.

Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Certain Eligible Payroll Costs

Executive Order GA-29 (Texas): Relating to the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 disaster.

Proclamation Amending GA-28 (Texas): Relating to the targeted response to the COVID-19 disaster as part of the reopening of Texas.

Amendment to Proclamation 10052

Proclamation 07.10.2020 (Texas): Renewing the declaration stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.

Community Advantage Pilot Program Temporary Changes-Community Advantage Recovery Loans

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable To Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Canada

Proclamation 08.08.2020 (Texas): Renewing the declaration stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in Texas.

Notification of Temporary Travel Restrictions Applicable to Land Ports of Entry and Ferries Service Between the United States and Mexico