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H.R. 8571119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Apr 29, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: To prohibit the enforcement of certain contractual clauses that restrict disclosure of sexual abuse of minors, and for other purposes.
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. 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
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.
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.
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. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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.