Senators Hear Harrowing Testimony on Bills to Bar NDAs in Sexual‑abuse Settlements

A Senate committee heard emotional testimony Tuesday on legislation — dubbed Trey’s Law — that would bar nondisclosure agreements from being used to silence victims of sexual abuse and child sexual abuse in civil settlements.

Sponsor Senator Ken Paxton told the Committee on State Affairs the bill “seeks to eliminate and invalidate the usage of non disclosure agreements to the extent that they force the silence of the voice of a victim in settlement agreements as they relate to the crime of child sexual abuse.” He said the committee substitute clarifies that other settlement provisions (such as payment amounts) may remain confidential while preventing NDAs that conceal abuse.

The bill’s backers framed the change as a public‑safety and victims‑rights measure. “Telling the story is central, essential to the healing journey of victims,” said…