Tex.
Civ. Practice & Remedies Code Section 30.013
Confidential Identity in Actions Involving Sexual Abuse of a Minor
(a)
In this section:(1)
“Confidential identity” means:(A)
the use of a pseudonym; and(B)
the absence of any other identifying information, including address, telephone number, and social security number.(2)
“Plaintiff” means:(A)
an individual younger than 18 years of age seeking recovery of damages or other relief; and(B)
the parents or legal guardian of the individual.(b)
This section applies only to a civil action against a defendant in which a plaintiff seeks recovery of damages or other relief based on conduct described as a felony in the following sections of the Penal Code:(1)
Section 22.011 (Sexual Assault) (sexual assault); or(2)
Section 22.021 (Aggravated Sexual Assault) (aggravated sexual assault).(c)
Except as otherwise provided by this section, in an action to which this section applies, the court shall:(1)
make it known to the plaintiff as early as possible in the proceedings of the action that the plaintiff may use a confidential identity in relation to the action;(2)
allow a plaintiff to use a confidential identity in all petitions, filings, and other documents presented to the court;(3)
use the confidential identity in all of the court’s proceedings and records relating to the action, including any appellate proceedings; and(4)
maintain the records relating to the action in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the plaintiff.(d)
In a suit to which this section applies, only the following persons are entitled to know the true identifying information about the plaintiff:(1)
the judge;(2)
a party to the action;(3)
the attorney representing a party to the action; and(4)
a person authorized by a written order of a court specific to that person.(e)
The court shall order that a person entitled to know the true identifying information under Subsection (d) may not divulge that information to anyone without a written order of the court. A court shall hold a person who violates the order in contempt.(f)
Notwithstanding Section 22.004 (Rules of Civil Procedure), Government Code, the supreme court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this section.(g)
A plaintiff is not required to use a confidential identity as provided by this section.
Source:
Section 30.013 — Confidential Identity in Actions Involving Sexual Abuse of a Minor, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.30.htm#30.013 (accessed May 4, 2024).
