Texas § HS.171.047 - PROTECTION OF PRIVACY IN COURT PROCEEDINGS

§ HS.171.047. PROTECTION OF PRIVACY IN COURT PROCEEDINGS

PROTECTION OF PRIVACY IN COURT PROCEEDINGS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, in a civil or criminal proceeding or action involving an act prohibited under this subchapter, the identity of the woman on whom an abortion has been performed or induced or attempted to be performed or induced is not subject to public disclosure if the woman does not give consent to disclosure. (b) Unless the court makes a ruling under Subsection (c) to allow disclosure of the woman's identity, the court shall issue orders to the parties, witnesses, and counsel and shall direct the sealing of the record and exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to protect the woman's identity from public disclosure. (c) A court may order the disclosure of information that is confidential under this section if: (1) a motion is filed with the court requesting release of the information and a hearing on that request; (2) notice of the hearing is served on each interested party; and (3) the court determines after the hearing and an in camera review that disclosure is essential to the administration of justice and there is no reasonable alternative to disclosure. Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 1 , Sec. 3, eff. October 29, 2013.