Sec. 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); or (2) Section 22.021 (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 (f) Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 7 (H.B. 16 ), Sec. 12.10(8), eff. December 4, 2025. (g) A plaintiff is not required to use a confidential identity as provided by this section.
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