HB230 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rod Scott

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Elder abuse, require redaction of contract information from court documents released to the public, to clarify that an elderly person of sound mind or body may hire legal counsel for representation, Sec. 38-9F-6 am'd.

Summary

HB230 would protect elder abuse petition filings by redacting personal contact information from public court documents and clarify that an elderly person who is capable may hire legal representation.

What This Bill Does

HB230 would require redaction of sensitive information such as home and business addresses and phone numbers for the elder abuse plaintiff and related contacts from court documents available to the public. It also confirms that an elderly person who is of sound mind or body may hire legal representation for the petition. Additionally, it clarifies who may file on behalf of a plaintiff lacking capacity and states that court costs cannot be charged to the petitioner, though costs may be charged to the defendant.

Who It Affects

• Elderly individuals who are plaintiffs in elder abuse cases, whose home, business, and contact information would be redacted from public court documents.
• Defendants and the court system (including court clerks and staff), who must implement redaction rules, handle private disclosures when necessary, and manage cost assignments.

Key Provisions

• Redacts the plaintiff's home and business addresses, home/cell/other phone numbers, and any addresses or numbers of family or household members from public court documents.
• Allows confidential, oral disclosure of necessary information in private chamber settings if needed to determine jurisdiction or venue.
• States that an elderly person with capacity may hire legal representation for all matters under the Elder Abuse Protection Order and Enforcement Act; lists who may file on behalf of a plaintiff who lacks capacity (guardian, conservator, temporary guardian, power of attorney, health care proxy, etc.).
• Provides that court costs or fees cannot be charged to the petitioner or plaintiff for filing, service, or subpoenas; costs may be charged to the defendant at the court's discretion.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elderly