§ 30.013.Confidential Identity in Actions Involving Sexual Abuse of a Minor

A protective provision for civil claims by children arising from sexual offences.

The section applies to a civil action in which a plaintiff — defined as an individual younger than 18 seeking damages or other relief, and the parents or legal guardian — seeks recovery based on conduct described as a felony under the Penal Code provisions on sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault.

"Confidential identity" means the use of a pseudonym and the absence of any other identifying information, including address, telephone number, and social security number. Both halves are required — a pseudonym alongside a home address protects nothing.

The court has four duties, and the first is unusual. It must make it known to the plaintiff as early as possible that a confidential identity may be used. The court tells the plaintiff the option exists rather than waiting to be asked, which matters where a family may not know it is available.

The court must also allow the confidential identity in all filings, use it in all proceedings and records including on appeal, and maintain the records so as to protect confidentiality.

Only four categories may know the true identity: the judge, a party, the attorney representing a party, and a person authorized by written court order specific to that person.

Subsection (e) is enforced by contempt. The court shall order that no one entitled to know may divulge the information without a written order, and shall hold a violator in contempt.

Subsection (g) keeps it optional: a plaintiff is not required to use a confidential identity. Subsection (f) was repealed effective December 4, 2025.