Trey’s Law: A Step Towards Justice for Abuse Survivors

A ban on using nondisclosure agreements to silence abuse survivors passed the Texas Senate unanimously — though it may still face hurdles on its path to the governor’s desk.

“Trey’s Law,” which was championed by two North Texas lawmakers in the wake of prominent church sex abuse scandals, was fast-tracked Thursday afternoon and passed the Senate 31-0.

Background of the Bill

A House version of the proposal by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen, passed unanimously in early April, but it was stuck in limbo for weeks awaiting a Senate committee hearing. Leach worried then that senators were trying to weaken his bill.

On Thursday, the Senate passed a version of Trey’s Law by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, that banned such nondisclosure agreements in sexual abuse cases involving not only children but adults.

Support for the Bill

Robert Morris’ accuser Cindy Clemishire previously testified in support of the bill at public hearings. She alleged that Morris, who founded Gateway Church, offered her a settlement if she signed an NDA.

Elizabeth Carlock Phillips of Highland Park, sister of the bill’s namesake, Trey Carlock, has also testified in support of the bill.

Phillips alleged in March testimony that her brother, who died by suicide in 2019, was abused by a camp counselor and signed a settlement he called “blood money” that included a nondisclosure agreement.

Next Steps for the Bill

The passage of Paxton’s bill means Trey’s Law can’t go directly to the governor’s desk as it would have if the Senate adopted the House’s version.

“The bill now has to go back through the House process, where it was already voted out of committee unanimously and passed the House floor unanimously,” Phillips said.

With just two weeks left to pass Senate bills off the House floor, Trey’s Law now goes back to the House for approval.

“We just hope that everyone works together to get this to the governor’s desk as soon as possible,” Phillips said.

Reaction from Lawmakers

Paxton’s office did not return five attempts to contact her for comment about the bill, including three emails, a phone call and an office visit.

A spokesman for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who decides which bills the Senate debates for a vote, said passing Paxton’s bill was Leach’s idea.

”Rep. Leach thought a bill with his name on it might be vetoed by the governor,” said Steven Aranyi, communications director for Patrick. He did not elaborate as to why.

Asked about his reaction to the Senate passing its version of the measure, Leach — visibly frustrated on the House floor after the vote — declined to comment.

Impact of the Bill

Paxton’s initial proposal was changed to mirror the stronger language of the bill passed by the House.

“The culture of silencing victims in the name of protecting the reputation of an organization must change in the state of Texas, and with the passage of Trey’s Law, it will,” Paxton said Thursday from the Senate floor.

Leach expanded the initial version of his House bill, which initially applied only to child sexual abuse cases, to also prohibit using nondisclosure agreements to stop adult survivors of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault or human trafficking from disclosing their abuse to others.

Conclusion

The passage of Trey’s Law is a significant step towards justice for abuse survivors in Texas. The bill aims to prevent the use of nondisclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual abuse, and its passage is a testament to the hard work and dedication of lawmakers and advocates who have fought for this cause.

While there may still be hurdles to overcome before the bill becomes law, the unanimous support it received in the Senate is a positive sign that it will eventually make its way to the governor’s desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trey’s Law?

Trey’s Law is a bill that aims to prevent the use of nondisclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual abuse in Texas.

Who championed the bill?

The bill was championed by two North Texas lawmakers, Rep. Jeff Leach and Sen. Angela Paxton.

What does the bill do?

The bill prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements to stop victims of sexual abuse, including children and adults, from disclosing their abuse to others.

What’s next for the bill?

The bill will now go back to the House for approval, where it was already voted out of committee unanimously and passed the House floor unanimously.