Updated Texas Bench Book Released to Guide Public Health Decisions

The University of Houston Law Center's Health Law & Policy Institute (HLPI) has recently made available a revised digital edition of the "Texas Bench Book on Control Measures and Public Health Emergencies." This essential guide serves as a legal reference for Texas judges, public health officials, and emergency response planners, especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of HLPI, Jessica Mantel, emphasized the importance of such resources, stating, "As we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, resources like this are crucial. That's why I've prioritized updating the Texas Bench Book—so it's ready and accessible before the next public health emergency arises." Originally published in 2008, the bench book sees revisions every few years, with updates in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2020 leading to the current 2025 edition. The latest iteration addresses the most recent legislative changes and updates emergency protocols outlined under Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, making it available for free as a PDF download at law.uh.edu/healthlaw.

Erica Patterson, research scholar at HLPI and editor of the 2025 edition, notes the book is designed to serve not just as a reference, but as a practical guide for legal navigators in the context of quickly evolving public health crises. "We've incorporated the most current legal changes and included direct links to relevant statutes so that users can quickly access what they need in urgent situations," Patterson explained.

The updated Texas Bench Book provides in-depth guidance on various control measures affecting individuals, groups, properties, and specific geographic areas. Importantly, it also clarifies jurisdictional authority and addresses critical issues such as disaster declarations, the treatment of protected health information, and the management of mass fatalities.

With the understanding that legal clarity is paramount in a crisis, Patterson shared that the resource has been developed to ensure that useful information is at hand when it is needed most. The book features revised appendices that include user-friendly flowcharts, updated judicial forms, and references to venues to enhance legal precision and application in practical scenarios. Key forms are also available in Word format to facilitate active casework.

Patterson highlighted the unique legal landscape in Texas regarding public health emergencies, noting that there are few resources available to support the application of Chapter 81. "This Bench Book fills a critical gap," she asserted. Given the limited precedent in Texas courts on these matters, the provision of accessible and well-researched guidance is more vital than ever.

She urged legal and public health professionals to consider the Texas Bench Book a dynamic tool. "While no resource can capture every change in real time, our commitment is to offer the best possible foundation for those navigating complex, high-stakes scenarios," Patterson remarked. "We hope this edition continues to serve that purpose."

Echoing the importance of the bench book, Mantel stated, "The goal is to support timely, informed action when public health and civil liberties are on the line."

For those interested in speaking with Erica Patterson from the HLPI, press inquiries can be directed to Carrie Anna Criado, Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing at UH Law Center, by calling 713-743-2184 or emailing [email protected]. Additionally, Rashda Khan, Communications Director, can be reached at 325-656-2824 or via [email protected].

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a prestigious law school situated in the fourth largest city in the United States. Notably, UHLC’s Health Law and Part-time programs rank among the top ten in the U.S. News rankings. The Law Center confers both Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees through its College of Law, serving as a hub for legal scholarship and practice with over twelve centers and institutes supporting its educational mission. Fully accredited by the American Bar Association, UHLC is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is designated as a Tier One public research university by Carnegie and is recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. Working to uphold its role in the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast region, the university provides world-class faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and strategic partnerships with industries. As an ethnic and culturally rich institution in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UH is federally designated as a Hispanic- and Asian American-Serving institution, with an enrollment surpassing 47,000 students.