Texas Moves Toward Banning NDAs in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: What You Need to Know

The Texas Legislature is taking decisive action to end the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in child sexual abuse cases. House Bill 748, also known as Trey’s Law, is at the center of this movement. If passed, the law would prohibit NDAs that prevent survivors of child sexual abuse from speaking out about their experiences. This bill addresses a long-standing issue in which NDAs have been used to silence victims and shield perpetrators from accountability.

The push for this legislation is the result of years of advocacy by survivors and supporters. The courage of individuals like Cindy Clemishire, who shared her story of abuse involving a prominent Texas pastor, has played a significant role in bringing this issue to public attention. Her efforts, alongside other advocates, have made Trey’s Law a possibility.

What’s Happening Now?

The Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 748. This is a critical step that brings the bill closer to becoming law. Advocates stress that banning NDAs in child sexual abuse cases is essential for protecting survivors' rights and encouraging transparency.

A report by Houston Public Media highlights the importance of this unanimous vote and what it means for the future of survivors' rights in Texas. You can read the article here.

The Texan also reported on the bill’s movement through the House committee. Supporters emphasize that this law is necessary to ensure survivors can speak freely without fear of legal consequences. You can find their coverage here.

Axios Dallas outlines how the Texas House is reconsidering the use of NDAs in both child and adult sexual assault cases. This signals a broader shift in how these legal tools are being viewed in the state. The Axios article is available here.

The Dallas Observer adds more context, noting the public pressure on lawmakers and the growing call for transparency in cases of sexual abuse. Their coverage can be found here.

Finally, the Austin American-Statesman and FOX 4 News detail the personal stories behind Trey’s Law, particularly that of Cindy Clemishire and the abuse she endured. Their reporting helps explain why this legislation is so significant and personal for many. Read more at Austin American-Statesman and Fox 4 News.

Why It Matters

Banning NDAs in cases of child sexual abuse is a step toward justice and accountability. NDAs have been misused to protect institutions and individuals from facing consequences, leaving survivors to carry the burden of silence. Ending this practice acknowledges the right of survivors to tell their stories and seek healing.

This legislation represents more than a legal change. It is the result of survivor-led advocacy, with people like Cindy Clemishire leading the way. Their voices are shaping a future where survivors are heard, not hidden.

Texas has an opportunity to set a precedent that could inspire similar reforms in other states. Advocates believe that once Texas acts, other legislatures may follow, bringing hope to survivors across the country.

Takeaway Messages

• Silence protects abusers.

• Speaking out protects future generations.

• NDAs should never be used to hide abuse or silence survivors.

• We owe survivors our support, in both words and laws that protect their right to speak.

• This legislation is a victory for transparency and justice, but it is just the beginning.

Our Take: Ending Silence: Why Texas’ Move to Ban NDAs in Child Sexual Abuse Cases Matters

At The Restitution Project, we are witnessing a critical moment in Texas. Lawmakers are finally confronting one of the most insidious tools used to protect abusers and silence survivors: non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). House Bill 748, known as Trey’s Law, seeks to prohibit NDAs in cases of child sexual abuse. It’s a step that’s long overdue.

For too long, NDAs have been weaponized against survivors. Rather than offering protection or closure, they have often served to bury stories of harm, shield predators from accountability, and allow abuse to continue unchecked. These legal agreements have left survivors isolated, silenced, and retraumatized—all while enabling abusers to maintain power and respectability within their communities.

This is not just a legal debate. It’s a moral one.

When Cindy Clemishire stepped forward to share her story, she put a spotlight on a system designed to keep victims quiet and perpetrators safe. Her courage—and the courage of many others—has led to this turning point. Trey’s Law represents a chance to return power to survivors. It restores the most basic of rights: the right to tell the truth.

At The Restitution Project, we believe that restitution starts with acknowledgment. You cannot repair what you are unwilling to name. By banning NDAs in child sexual abuse cases, Texas is taking a first step toward justice—not just for the survivors of today, but for the children of tomorrow.

This law alone won’t solve the systemic failures that allowed abuse to happen in the first place. But it does send a clear message: survivors will no longer be silenced for the comfort or protection of others.

We stand with those leading this fight. And we call on other states to follow Texas’ example. Truth should never be negotiable. Neither should justice.