Ohio lawmakers introduce “Trey’s Law,” a bill that would ban nondisclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases to protect survivors and ensure accountability.
Ohio Bill Seeks to Ban NDAs in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
A newly introduced bill in Ohio aims to prohibit the use of nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements in cases involving child sexual abuse.
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House Bill 723, known as “Trey’s Law,” was introduced by Roy Klopfenstein and Melanie Miller in early March. The legislation would make it illegal to enter into agreements that prevent individuals from reporting abuse to law enforcement or speaking publicly about their experiences. Any such contracts signed after the law takes effect would be considered void.
Supporters say the bill is designed to increase accountability and ensure survivors are not silenced. Miller emphasized that legal agreements should never be used to conceal criminal acts, adding that the measure aims to protect children and promote transparency.
The bill is named after Trey Carlock, who was abused as a child by a camp counselor in Missouri. After pursuing a civil case, Carlock signed a nondisclosure agreement as part of a settlement. Advocates say such agreements can leave survivors feeling unable to speak out, even when they want to share their experiences.
Versions of similar legislation have already been passed in several states, with Missouri among the first to adopt the policy. Lawmakers say Ohio’s proposal is part of a broader national effort to address how legal agreements can impact survivors.
While courts in Ohio and across the U.S. have generally ruled that contracts cannot legally conceal criminal activity, advocates argue that nondisclosure agreements are still often used in civil cases and can intimidate victims into staying silent. They say the complexity of these agreements can make it difficult for survivors to understand their rights without legal assistance.
If passed, the bill would apply to all new agreements moving forward. It is currently awaiting committee assignment and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
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