Amend SB 295 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Chapter 98, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Section 98.007 to read as follows:
Sec. 98.007. CONFIDENTIAL IDENTITY IN CERTAIN ACTIONS. (a) In this section, "confidential identity" means:
(1) the use of a pseudonym; and
(2) the absence of any other identifying information, including address, telephone number, and social security number.
(b) This section applies only to a civil action under this chapter against a defendant alleged to have engaged in conduct that constitutes an offense under Section 20A.02(3), (4), (7), or (8), Penal Code.
(c) Except as otherwise provided by this section, in an action to which this section applies, the court shall:
(1) make it known to the claimant as early as possible in the proceedings of the action that the claimant may use a confidential identity in relation to the action;
(2) allow a claimant to use a confidential identity in all petitions, filings, and other documents presented to the court;
(3) use the confidential identity in all of the court's proceedings and records relating to the action, including any appellate proceedings; and
(4) maintain the records relating to the action in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the claimant.
(d) In a suit to which this section applies, only the following persons are entitled to know the true identifying information about the claimant:
(1) the judge;
(2) a party to the action;
(3) the attorney representing a party to the action; and
(4) a person authorized by a written order of a court specific to that person.
(e) The court shall order that a person entitled to know the true identifying information under Subsection (d) may not divulge that information to anyone without a written order of the court. A court shall hold a person who violates the order in contempt.
(f) Notwithstanding Section 22.004, Government Code, the supreme court may not amend or adopt rules in conflict with this section.
(g) A claimant is not required to use a confidential identity as provided by this section.
SECTION ____. Section 420.003(4), Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
(4) "Sexual assault" means any act or attempted act as described by Section 20A.02(a)(3), (4), (7), or (8), 21.02, 21.11, 22.011, 22.021, or 25.02, Penal Code.