State legislators in Kansas and Georgia have filed bills known as “Trey’s Law,” public safety legislation that seeks to end nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse and trafficking claims.
These contracts and clauses, originally intended to protect intellectual property and corporate data, have been misused to suppress survivors’ freedom of speech while shielding bad actors from accountability.
Kansas House Bill 2688 was filed by Reps. Lauren Bohi, Laura Williams, Bradley Barrett and Bob Lewis. As drafted, the bill would make all NDAs in civil sexual abuse cases void and unenforceable as a matter of public interest.
Georgia House Bill 1187 was filed by Rep. Soo Hong. Last month, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the legislation as a priority bill of First Lady Marty Kemp and the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion and Education Commission. As drafted, the version of Trey’s Law in Georgia would apply to NDAs in civil settlement agreements entered on or after the bill’s effective date.
“We thank these legislators for standing with survivors to prioritize public safety over harmful secrecy,” said Elizabeth Phillips, founder of Trey’s Law. “For too long, NDAs have protected predators and liable institutions while victims suffer in the shadows. Now, Kansas and Georgia are joining other states in making a statement that survivors’ voices matter and must be protected by law.”
Phillips’ late younger brother, Trey Carlock, was a victim of child sexual abuse at Kamp Kanakuk in Missouri, and Georgia is one of that camp’s top markets. Trey lived in Atlanta for four years growing up, so his family is especially grateful that Georgia is taking action. He is the namesake of “Trey’s Law.”
Similar legislation also has been filed in Alabama and Oklahoma this session and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has expressed intent to file a federal version of the bill.