Sec. 98.007. CONFIDENTIAL IDENTITY IN CERTAIN ACTIONS. (a) In this section, "confidential identity" means:
(1) the use of a pseudonym; and
(2) the absence of any other identifying information, including address, telephone number, and social security number.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, in an action under this chapter, the court shall:
(1) make it known to the claimant as early as possible in the proceedings of the action that the claimant may use a confidential identity in relation to the action;
(2) allow a claimant 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 claimant.
(c) In an action under this chapter, only the following persons are entitled to know the true identifying information about the claimant:
(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.
(d) The court shall order that a person entitled to know the true identifying information under Subsection (c) 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.
(e) Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, the supreme court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this section.
(f) A claimant is not required to use a confidential identity as provided by this section.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 807 (H.B. 1540), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.