Bill > SB835

This bill, known as Trey's Law, addresses the enforceability of nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements related to sexual abuse. It establishes that any provision in an agreement (such as employment, settlement, or other contracts) that prohibits a person from disclosing information about sexual abuse is void and unenforceable. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of sexual abuse, referencing specific sections of the Texas Family Code and Penal Code that cover various forms of sexual abuse, including child sexual abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, and compelling prostitution. While the law invalidates confidentiality provisions about sexual abuse, it still allows parties to keep other aspects of a settlement agreement confidential, such as payment terms. The law applies retroactively to agreements entered before, on, or after its effective date, but for pre-existing agreements, parties must first obtain a declaratory judgment confirming the agreement's unenforceability. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to protect survivors by preventing the use of confidentiality agreements to silence victims of sexual abuse.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB835