Trey’s Law: A Landmark Victory for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Texas
From the DARCC Education Department, Maggie Bego, Director of Education
In a significant step toward justice and transparency, Texas enacted Senate Bill 835, known as Trey’s Law, which prohibits the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in civil cases involving sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 21, 2025, the legislation took effect on September 1, 2025 (Varghese, 2025; D Magazine, 2025).
The Story Behind the Law
Trey’s Law is named after Trey Carlock, a Dallas native who was sexually abused as a child at a Christian summer camp in Missouri. After pursuing legal action, Trey was coerced into signing an NDA that silenced him from speaking about the abuse. He referred to this settlement as “blood money,” and tragically, he died by suicide at age 28 (Varghese, 2025).
Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, became an advocate for change, sharing her brother’s story with lawmakers. Her efforts, alongside those of other survivors, directly contributed to the passage of Trey’s Law (NBCDFW, 2025; D Magazine, 2025).
Key Provisions of Trey’s Law
Trey’s Law renders any agreement that prohibits a person from disclosing acts of sexual abuse or related facts void and unenforceable. It applies retroactively, allowing survivors previously silenced by NDAs to speak openly without fear of legal consequences. While financial settlement terms may remain confidential, the law ensures that the underlying facts of abuse cannot be concealed (Texas Legislative Council, 2025; Texas Tribune, 2025).
Impact and Benefits
The passage of Trey’s Law has multiple benefits:
Empowerment of Survivors – Survivors can now share their experiences, pursue justice, and find support without the threat of legal retaliation (Varghese, 2025; NBCDFW, 2025).
Accountability for Institutions – Organizations can no longer use NDAs to shield perpetrators from public scrutiny, promoting transparency and preventing future abuse (Texas Tribune, 2025).
Cultural Shift Toward Transparency – By removing silencing mechanisms, the law fosters societal acknowledgment of abuse and encourages a supportive environment for survivors (D Magazine, 2025).
Retroactive Protection – Individuals previously restricted from speaking out can now safely share their stories, potentially aiding in investigations and prevention efforts (Texas Legislative Council, 2025).
A Step Toward Broader Change
Trey’s Law represents a pivotal moment in the fight against sexual abuse. It not only protects survivors in Texas but also sets an example for other states to consider similar measures, promoting a national culture of accountability and survivor-centered justice (Varghese, 2025; Texas Tribune, 2025).
Sources:
Varghese, B. (2025). Trey’s Law: Texas Bans Contracts That Silence Sexual Abuse. Versus Texas.
D Magazine. (2025). Trey’s Law Is Now Officially Texas Law.
Texas Legislative Council. (2025). Bill Analysis: Senate Bill 835.
NBCDFW. (2025). Texas Senate Passes Trey’s Law to Protect Abuse Survivors From NDAs.
Texas Tribune. (2025). Trey’s Law Frees Sex Abuse Victims to Tell Their Stories.