NDAs shielding child sex abuse lose legal enforceability

What does this do?

This bill makes it illegal to enforce any contract clause that stops a child sexual abuse survivor, or someone supporting them, from disclosing the abuse. This applies to old contracts too, not just new ones. Contracts can still keep certain details private, like a settlement amount, as long as they do not block the survivor from describing the abuse itself.

Who does it affect?

This affects people who were sexually abused as minors and anyone with knowledge of that abuse. It also applies to institutions, alleged abusers, or anyone else who might try to use a secrecy clause to prevent disclosure.

Why does it matter?

Without this bill, existing nondisclosure agreements could be used to stop survivors from reporting abuse to law enforcement, child protection agencies, or courts. This bill removes that legal barrier going forward.

Where does it stand?