SB167 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

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

SB 167 would hide sensitive contact information of elder abuse plaintiffs in public court records and allow elderly individuals to hire legal representation for relief.

What This Bill Does

It requires redaction of the plaintiff's home and business addresses and their phone numbers, as well as addresses and phone numbers of family or household members and any shelter location, from public court filings. If disclosing an address is necessary for jurisdiction or venue, the disclosure would be made only orally in private chambers. It clarifies that an elderly person who is of sound mind or body may hire legal representation to pursue relief under the Elder Abuse Protection Act. It also sets financial rules stating petitioners cannot be charged court costs or service fees; costs may be charged to the defendant at the court's discretion.

Who It Affects

• Elderly abuse plaintiffs (and their family/household members) would have their home/business addresses and phone numbers redacted from public court documents, improving privacy and safety.
• Court staff, judges, and lawyers involved in elder abuse cases would implement the redaction rules, handle private disclosures when necessary, and manage related costs.

Key Provisions

• Redacts the plaintiff's home and business addresses and phone numbers from court documents filed on or after the act's effective date.
• Redacts any address or phone number of family or household members and any shelter location for domestic violence victims.
• If disclosure is needed for jurisdiction or venue, it must occur orally in the judge's private chambers without the public present.
• If the plaintiff does not disclose an address or phone number, an alternative address or the attorney's business address/phone may be used for court communications.
• Clarifies that an elderly person who is of sound mind or body may hire legal representation to pursue relief in elder abuse matters.
• Petitioners cannot be charged court costs or service fees for filing or subpoenas; costs may be charged to the defendant at the court's discretion.
• Standard petitions for elder abuse actions are available at circuit court clerks, and clerks are not required to assist in completing the forms.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elderly