HB219 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lynn Greer

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Ken JohnsonMicky HammonDonnie ChesteenTodd GreesonMike MillicanPaul DeMarcoJim PattersonDuwayne BridgesDavid SessionsBarry MooreK.L. BrownEd HenryMac McCutcheonAlan HarperSteve HurstAlan BakerWes LongKurt WallacePhil WilliamsMary Sue McClurkinJoe FaustPaul W. LeeMack N. ButlerMark TuggleTerri CollinsSteve McMillanDan WilliamsHoward SanderfordMike HillRichard J. LairdDickie DrakeSteve ClouseRandy Wood

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Jurors, service in criminal cases, names of sealed, contact by parties with for specified purposes prohibited, procedures for contact with jurors, penalties for violation

Summary

HB219 would protect juror privacy and regulate contacting jurors in criminal cases by banning disclosure of juror information after voir dire and creating a sealed, court‑supervised process to contact jurors about post‑trial issues.

What This Bill Does

The bill prohibits sharing any juror identifying or personal information obtained during voir dire after the trial ends and restricts contacting jurors about post‑trial, appellate, or collateral matters unless a court approves a sealed motion. It requires a party to file a sealed motion with the trial judge, provide notice to other parties, and follow a defined process; jurors may consent or refuse, and contact must stop if they withdraw. Violations carry harassment penalties, potential bar discipline for attorneys, and costs of contact fall on the requesting party; the bill notes local‑fund implications but is exempt from certain constitutional spending rules due to exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Jurors in criminal cases—privacy protections for information from voir dire; they may refuse contact and have remedies if violated.
• Attorneys and parties in criminal cases—restricted from disclosing juror information; must file sealed motions to seek contact, follow notification and procedural rules, and face penalties or bar discipline for violations; costs of contact are borne by the requesting party.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Prohibits disclosing any identifying or personal information about a juror obtained during voir dire after the juror is dismissed.
• Section 2: Prohibits contacting a juror about post-trial issues unless a motion is filed under seal requesting contact with a specific juror and the court approves.
• Section 2: The motion must name the juror and specify the exact purpose related to post-trial, appellate, or collateral issues.
• Section 3: The motion must be served on all parties; each party has seven days to respond; the court must notify the juror if contact is sought.
• Section 3: The notice to the juror includes case name, verdict/sentence dates, requesting party, and that contact is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time.
• Section 3: The juror may consent or reject; if rejected or withdrawn, contact ends unless the court allows otherwise.
• Section 4: If contact proceeds, a judge must conduct the inquiry with proper introductions, explain the scope, and inform the juror of rights to cancel.
• Section 5: If contact attempts fail or the juror is nonresponsive, the court may presume the juror does not desire contact and permit no contact.
• Section 6: A juror may not be contacted after refusal, withdrawal, or nonresponse.
• Section 7: A court may not compel a juror to appear for a post-trial proceeding without a properly served subpoena.
• Section 8: Violations are treated as harassment; attorneys may be reported to the Alabama State Bar and, for pro hac vice attorneys, admission could be revoked.
• Section 9: The requesting party must pay all costs associated with the juror contact and inquiry, including juror expenses.
• Section 10: The bill acknowledges local‑fund concerns but is exempt from Amendment 621’s rules because it creates or amends a crime.
• Section 11: The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Juries and Jurors