2022 County and District Clerks' Association of Texas Winter Conference

Clerk 101/102: Orientation and Training
Attendees will hear from subject matter experts in human resources, media and public relations, and ethics.

1:30-2:15 p.m. Alpha Soup A-Z
Ms. Sheri Woodfin, Court Consultant, Office of Court Administration
2:15-3 p.m. Human Resources (HR)
Ms. Cheraun Blankenship, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
3:15-4 p.m. Media and Public Relations
Mr. Cary Roberts, Media Relations Officer, Casteel & Roberts
4-4:45 p.m. Ethics
Mr. Paul Miles, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties

Mentorship Program Overview
Hon. Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County Clerk

This session will include a brief overview of the new mentor program designed for new clerks by experienced clerks.

Senate 6-Bail Bond Reform
Ms. Sheri Woodfin, Court Consultant, Office of Court Administration

Attend the session to learn about the who, what, where and when of Senate Bill 6.

Intro to the CDCAT
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Combination Clerk
Hon. Velva L. Price, Travis County District Clerk
Hon. Clarissa Webster, Ector County District Clerk

The purpose of the CDCAT is to promote professional standards, to provide a means for the education of its members regarding the statutory and constitutional duties of the offices of the county clerk and the district clerk, and to participate in the legislative, judicial and executive processes of state government beneficial in the performance of the members' duties. This session will provide an overview of the association’s work and services for members.

Human Resources: FMLA
Ms. Lorie Floyd, PHR, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties

Understanding all facets of the Family Medical Leave Act and learning how to comply with this complex federal law are crucial. In this session, attendees will learn the basics and navigate the details of administering family medical leave. We will examine unique situations in various scenarios and discuss compliance tips to help you understand how to fully comply with the act.

Keynote: Leadership for Building a Community in Service
Mr. Jim Bearden, Bearden Resource Group

There are groups, and there are communities. There are organizations that claim to be committed to providing service, and there are organizations that actually do so. Transforming groups into communities and closing the gaps between things that sound good ("service") and things that get done (providing service) are processes, not events. Like most processes, those transformations won't just happen. Facilitation is absolutely essential. According to Jim Bearden, facilitating the processes for building communities in service is a key role for people in leadership positions; people like you.

Reporting
Ms. Lisa Robles, Judicial Records Analyst, Office of Court Administration (OCA)

This reporting session is an overview of all reporting requirements that clerks must perform. By the end of the session, clerks will be able to locate reporting resources on the Texas Judiciary website. The OCA’s Monthly Court Activity Report and Appointment and Fees Report will be covered in detail.

Cybersecurity
Mr. Casey Kennedy, Director of Information Services, Office of Court Administration
Mr. Dennis Van Metre, Chief Information Officer, Vinson & Elkins LLP

Cybersecurity has become a cat-and-mouse game. As it improves, the bad actors find new and inventive ways to compromise our systems. While in most cases the computer systems and network are run by the county, there are things you can do to promote "cyber hygiene" both professionally and personally. This session will review some of the current cyberthreats, things you can do to prevent incidents and things you can to do prepare for an incident.

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
Mr. Craig Lopez, CJIS Auditor III, Texas Department of Public Safety

The presentation will include a CJIS overview, CJIS site, reporting tips, and CJIS conference information.

Fee Changes Q&A
Hon. Patti L. Henry, Chambers County District Clerk
Hon. Joyce G. Hudman, Brazoria County Clerk

The presenters will discuss in detail Senate Bill 41 — the civil consolidation bill — and corrections for SB 346, the criminal consolidation bill passed during the 86th legislative session. They will open up the session for discussion.

eFile TX
Mr. Casey Kennedy, Director of Information Services, Office of Court Administration

As eFile 1.0 wraps up and eFile 2.0 starts, the electronic filing system will be changing up several features. In this session, we'll talk about the changes afoot in the eFile systems along with the timing of those changes.

What I Wish I Knew About Commissioners Court When I Was A Clerk
Panel

With more and more clerks transitioning into the role of county judge, this session focuses on the experiences of several panelists who have successfully made the shift. These former clerks will share their insights and the lessons they have learned in their journeys of transition.

Campaigning Do's and Don'ts
Ms. Anne Peters, Executive Director, Texas Ethics Commission

This presentation will focus on what you should and should not be doing while campaigning, and it will cover issues that the Ethics Commission staff frequently sees.