Federal bill voids silence clauses tied to child sexual abuse cases
Passed one chamberS. 3966Latest action
Sponsor: Ted Cruz · Senator · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: TREY'S Law
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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TREY'S Law makes confidentiality clauses that suppress child sexual abuse disclosures void and unenforceable in new and old contracts.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
TREY'S Law makes it illegal to enforce nondisclosure or confidentiality clauses in settlements or other contracts that prevent someone from speaking out about the sexual abuse of a child. The law applies to both new and existing agreements, meaning contracts signed years ago are also covered. Confidentiality clauses covering financial details such as payment amounts or terms may still remain valid, but clauses that prevent disclosure of the abuse itself are void.
Who does it affect?
The law affects child sexual abuse survivors, witnesses, and anyone else who signed a confidentiality agreement related to such abuse. It also applies to parties who might try to enforce those agreements, including alleged abusers and institutions.
Why does it matter?
Victims, alleged victims, or anyone with knowledge of child sexual abuse could speak freely without risk of being sued for violating a contract. The law overrides state laws that would permit these silence clauses to be enforced, while still allowing states to enact stronger protections for victims.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 3, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · May 20, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.