HB307 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Merika ColemanAnthony DanielsNeil Rafferty

Session

Regular Session 2021

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

HB307 would protect elder abuse plaintiffs by redacting sensitive contact information from public court records and clarifying that a capable elder may hire legal representation in Elder Abuse Protection Order cases.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires redaction of the plaintiff's home and business addresses, home, cell, and business phone numbers, and any addresses or numbers of family or household members, as well as shelter location addresses from public court filings. It also clarifies that an elderly person who is of sound mind or body may hire legal representation to pursue relief under the Elder Abuse Protection Order and Enforcement Act. If disclosure is necessary to determine jurisdiction or venue, it must be done privately in the judge's chambers. If the plaintiff or their representative does not disclose an address or phone number, an alternative address or the attorney's business contact may be used. The bill also states that the court cannot charge petitioners for filing or service in these cases, though costs may be assessed against the defendant at the court's discretion.

Who It Affects

• Elderly plaintiffs seeking protection under the Elder Abuse Protection Order and Enforcement Act (and their family/household members whose contact information would be protected).
• Courts, guardians/conservators/agents acting for incapacitated elders, attorneys, and defendants involved in elder abuse petitions who must apply the new redaction rules, handle private disclosures, and follow cost provisions.

Key Provisions

• Redact the plaintiff's home/business address, home/cell/business phone numbers, and any family or household member addresses/numbers from public court documents.
• Redact any shelter location addresses from public filings.
• When necessary for jurisdiction/venue, allow private oral disclosure in the judge's chambers with no public presence.
• If the plaintiff or representative does not disclose an address/phone number, provide an alternative address or the attorney's business contact for court purposes.
• Affirm that a capable elder may hire legal representation for the petition under the act.
• Costs: courts may not charge petitioners for filing, service, or subpoenas; costs may be charged to the defendant at the court's discretion.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

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

Subjects

Elder Abuse