Legislation Targets Nondisclosure Agreements in Abuse Cases
Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton filed two bills on January 17 aimed at reforming legal protections for survivors of child sexual abuse. The proposed legislation follows similar bills introduced in Missouri by state Rep. Brian Seitz. Both states seek to limit the enforceability of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in abuse cases and enhance privacy protections for survivors who pursue legal action.
SB-835 Seeks to Nullify Certain NDAs
Senate Bill 835 (SB-835) proposes that NDAs preventing survivors or witnesses from reporting child sexual abuse to law enforcement be legally unenforceable. While NDAs would still be allowed, they would be void if they restrict individuals from disclosing critical information about a crime, including the perpetrator’s identity.
Supporters argue that such a measure is necessary to prevent abusers and institutions from silencing victims. The bill has been informally called “Trey’s Law” in honor of Trey Carlock, a Texas native and abuse survivor at Kanakuk Kamps, a Missouri-based Christian summer camp. Carlock died by suicide after signing an NDA that barred him from discussing his abuse, exacerbating his trauma. His case is one of 17 reported suicides linked to serial abuser Peter Newman and the camp’s use of NDAs.
SB-836 Strengthens Privacy Protections for Survivors
The second bill, SB-836, seeks to protect the privacy of child sex abuse survivors by restricting public access to material evidence, including visual images collected during forensic medical examinations. While attorneys would still have access to such evidence for litigation, it would remain sealed to prevent further harm to survivors. Two new bills related to child sex crimes filed in Texas
The second bill, SB-836, seeks to protect the privacy of child sex abuse survivors by restricting public access to material evidence, including visual images collected during forensic medical examinations. While attorneys would still have access to such evidence for litigation, it would remain sealed to prevent further harm to survivors.
Advocates for the bill argue that the public exposure of sensitive evidence should not retraumatize survivors. Detractors worry that limiting public access to specific case details could hinder transparency in high-profile abuse cases.
Ongoing Legal and Public Debate
Angela Paxton, wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. As legal battles over child sex abuse cases continue, the proposed legislation highlights ongoing efforts to balance survivor protection with legal transparency.
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Two new bills related to child sex crimes filed in Texas
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