WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody is protecting survivors of child sexual abuse and trafficking, advancing Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements (TREY’S Law) out of the Senate by unanimous consent. TREY’S Law bans the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of child sexual abuse and trafficking in civil settlements. Senator Moody is a cosponsor of the legislation:
“No survivor of child sexual abuse should ever be silenced by a legal agreement designed to protect abusers or institutions from accountability. As Florida’s Attorney General, I put the protection of children first, stood up for victims, and have carried that mission to the United States Senate. I’m extremely encouraged to see this legislation advance, but the work is not finished. Survivors should be able to speak the truth freely, cooperate with law enforcement, and seek justice without intimidation,” said Senator Ashley Moody.
BACKGROUND:
- The bill is named in honor of Trey Carlock, who was silenced by an NDA after enduring a civil litigation process against Kanakuk Ministries. Trey ultimately passed by suicide at age 28.
- The bill is aimed at ensuring that institutions or individuals cannot use legal settlements or confidentiality agreements to hide child sexual abuse allegations, silence victims, or shield wrongdoing from public scrutiny and law enforcement.
- Senator Moody is a strong advocate and recently teamed up with sexual assault survivor Lauren Book for “Walk in my Shoes”, a statewide initiative to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse.
- Specifically, Trey’s Law:
- Voids certain NDAs related to child sexual abuse, making any contractual clause that prevents a survivor or witness from speaking about sexual abuse involving a minor unenforceable;
- Stops agreements from interfering with investigations, ensuring private settlements cannot block cooperation with law enforcement or federal investigations involving child sexual abuse or trafficking;
- Protects survivors’ ability to speak out, even if the survivor previously signed a confidentiality agreement;
- Applies retroactively; and
- Overrides weaker state laws.
- Trey’s Law now goes to the House.
- Read full legislation here.
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