Supreme Court issues updated COVID-19 policies and procedures

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court today issued four administrative orders regarding policies and procedures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"The Supreme Court manages the state court system's pandemic response through policies and procedures set out in administrative order," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "Today's orders are to provide minor updates, reaffirm what's still relevant from prior orders, and rescind what is obsolete to make it easier for court users to find and follow current policies and procedures."

Administrative Order 2020-PR-123

2020-PR-123 reduces the number of orders judicial officers, employees, and court users must consult for current COVID-19 district and appellate court operations policies and procedures. The order:

• incorporates and updates still-relevant portions of several prior administrative orders; 

• clarifies that courts should consider virtual courtrooms standards and guidance when posted on the judicial branch website; 

• clarifies guidance related to court-initiated livestreams; and 

• permits judicial branch employees to resume saliva testing for moderate- or high-risk probation clients if authorized by the chief judge of the judicial district.

Administrative Orders 2020-PR-122, 2020-PR-124, and 2020-PR-125

2020-PR-123 is complemented by:

• 2020-PR-122, which rescinds obsolete administrative orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic;

• 2020-PR-124, which amends 2020-PR-094 requiring masks in district and appellate courts; and 

• 2020-PR-125, which sets out visitor policies for the Kansas Judicial Center.

The orders issued today do not rescind or amend orders of the chief justice suspending statutory time limitations or requirements, including those in K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 22-3402.

The Supreme Court also issued updated Supreme Court Mandates and Guidance Regarding Resuming Jury Proceedings. The updates clarify mandate (A)(20) regarding public access to livestreams.