Texas is taking a stand against secrecy in sexual abuse cases with a new piece of legislation known as Trey's Law, which is now on its way to Governor Greg Abbott's desk. According to a report by FOX 7 Austin, Senate Bill 835 prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements in civil cases related to sexual abuse, including those involving children or instances of trafficking. Senator Angela Paxton, who authored the bill, has been vocal about its necessity for ensuring survivors have the freedom to speak out. "This is a critical step forward for justice, transparency, and the protection of future victims," Paxton mentioned in a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin.
The bill draws its inspiration from a painful story. It is named after Trey Carlock, a man from Dallas who, after being sexually abused as a child at a summer camp, ended his own life following years of suffering. FOX 4 News recounts how Carlock had sought reparations through a civil lawsuit but was bound to silence by an NDA that accompanied the settlement. "Trey’s Law honors the life of Trey Carlock by empowering others to break their silence, seek justice, and protect future victims," Paxton told FOX 4 News.
The issue of NDAs in cases of abuse has received increasing scrutiny, highlighted by the testimony of Cindy Clemishire, who accused Gateway Church founder Robert Morris of sexual abuse. During a recent committee meeting, Clemishire revealed she was offered $25,000 to settle and silence her through an NDA—a move she refused. Thanks to her decision, she was able to seek legal recourse four decades after the fact. "Because I refused to sign the NDA at age 37, I can sit here now at age 55 and share my story and be the voice for so many people," Clemishire said in a statement echoed by FOX 4 News.
If Governor Abbott signs the bill, Trey's Law would become effective on September 1, heralding a new era of transparency and support for survivors of sexual abuse. This move by Texas is sending a clear message, as quoted by Senator Paxton in an interview with FOX 7 Austin: "the truth should never be hidden - and survivors will no longer be silenced by legal documents designed to protect predators." Plano Republican Jeff Leach, who penned the House version of the bill, echoed this sentiment, calling it "a truly historic victory for survivors and victims and a death blow for their perpetrators hiding in the shadows," as reported by FOX 7 Austin.
