NDAs shielding child sex abuse lose legal enforceability
In committeeH.R. 8571Latest action
Sponsor: Brandon Gill · Representative · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To prohibit the enforcement of certain contractual clauses that restrict disclosure of sexual abuse of minors, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
Silence agreements cannot be used to stop child sexual abuse survivors from speaking out, even if the contract already exists.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
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.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.