HB259 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lynn Greer

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

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

HB259 would protect juror privacy and limit post-verdict contact with jurors in criminal cases by banning disclosure of voir dire information, establishing sealed-motion procedures for any post-verdict contact, and imposing penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits attorneys and parties or their representatives from disclosing identifying or personal information about jurors obtained during voir dire after the jury is dismissed. It also bar contacting jurors to develop or investigate post-trial, appellate, or collateral issues unless the court allows it through a sealed motion with notice to all parties and established review procedures. The bill creates a structured process for seeking contact, including who may file, how the motion is reviewed, how jurors are notified, and that jurors may consent or refuse, with penalties for violations and costs borne by the requesting party.

Who It Affects

• Attorneys and parties in criminal proceedings (and their agents) — would be restricted from disclosing juror information and from contacting jurors about post-trial issues unless a sealed court-approved process is followed.
• Jurors in criminal cases — would have privacy protections, can refuse contact, and may participate in contact only through a court-supervised process with costs paid by the requesting party.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Prohibits disclosure of any identifying or personal information about jurors obtained during the jury voir dire process after the jury is dismissed from further service.
• Section 2: Establishes a sealed-motion process to contact a juror for post-trial inquiry, requires notice to all parties, outlines review procedures, juror notification, consent options, scheduling, and remedies for violations.

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