Protecting Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault 

At The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact sexual abuse and sexual assault have on survivors. Trey’s Law represents a crucial development in the law in Texas that ends forced institutional silence, supports survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault in sharing their stories should they choose to do so, and exposes hidden predators. Trey’s Law is an important step forward in Texas in ensuring survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault can seek justice without the limitations of confidentiality agreements designed to silence them. 

The Background on Trey’s Law 

The law is named after Trey Carlock, who was tragically silenced to his grave at 28 years old after signing an NDA related to his own sexual abuse as a child at a Christian sports camp. Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, turned the pain and loss into purpose and started working to shine a light on why protections such as Trey’s Law are needed in Texas (Trey’s home state) and across the country to end the institutional silence that resulted in the death of her brother. 

What is Trey’s Law? 

Trey’s Law (Senate Bill 835) is a groundbreaking piece of Texas legislation signed into law on June 21, 2025, by Governor Greg Abbot that bans the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in civil settlement agreements for child sexual abuse and sexual assault cases. Effective September 1, 2025, Trey’s Law renders NDAs void and unenforceable with respect to acts of sexual assault. 

Timing of Application of Trey’s Law 

An incredibly powerful part of Trey’s law is its retroactivity. The statute specifically says that it applies to agreements entered BEFORE, ON, or AFTER the effective date of the law (September 1, 2025). This means existing NDAs in sexual abuse and sexual assault cases are now presumptively void in Texas. However, an important exception to past NDAs part of this legislation becoming void is that those NDAs already in effect before the date of this new law may still be enforced if a party seeks a declaratory judgment under Chapter 37 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. We view this provision as potentially freeing thousands of victims from past NDAs in Texas.    

Although the law’s official effective date is September 1, 2025, it applies retroactively, meaning it voids previous non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that were made before that date. Unless a defendant obtains a declaratory judgment, the law began to assist victims as soon as the Governor signed it into law on June 21, 2025. Therefore, Trey’s Law should be followed starting from that date, not just from the official effective date. 

How Trey’s Law Protects Survivors 

Under Trey’s Law, any nondisclosure or confidentiality clauses in civil settlement agreements that prohibit a victim from revealing details about an act of sexual abuse or sexual assault are now void. Survivors will no longer face the barrier of legal contracts preventing them from speaking openly about their experiences, which is often a crucial step towards their healing and recovery in addition to protecting other Texans from abuse.    

Trey’s Law is more than just legislative jargon. It’s a sign that the state of Texas is standing behind survivors, empowering them to fight for their rights and ending institutional silence. Survivors can now seek justice with the knowledge that they will not be bound by agreements that seek to keep their suffering and abusers hidden, while still providing confidentiality and protection for survivors who choose it. 

Information for Survivors who have Signed NDAs in the Past 

We view Trey’s Law as voiding past NDAs in Texas in sexual abuse and assault cases.  However, a Defendant could seek a declaratory judgment to keep past NDAs in effect and if secured, the survivor would still be bound by it. The best advice is to review what you signed in the past and consult with an attorney about your rights before speaking out.  

Our Expertise in Handling Sexual Abuse Cases 

At The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm, we have decades of experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. We understand the unique challenges that come with these cases, particularly when survivors are facing institutions or individuals that have attempted to conceal the truth. We understand the complexities of the many different situations and environments in which child sexual abuse occurs. Learn more about our expertise here.  

Our firm has a long track record of representing survivors in high-impact cases, including representing over two dozen former USA gymnasts who were sexually abused by USA Gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar and hundreds of child sex abuse survivors across America who were abused by clergy members. We are passionate about making sure that those who have suffered the unimaginable are heard and supported, and that the responsible parties are held accountable. 

With Trey’s Law, we ensure that survivors are no longer forced into silence. We work tirelessly to make sure that survivors not only receive compensation but also gain the opportunity to share their story and help prevent further abuse. 

We Are Here for You 

The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm is here to support you in your journey toward justice. If you have any questions about Trey’s Law or need assistance with a sexual abuse or sexual assault claim, please contact our office. We are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that your voice is heard. Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing the guidance and support you need to regain control of your life and secure the justice you deserve. 

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