The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened on May 8, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of abuse within religious organizations. The meeting highlighted the detrimental effects of NDAs on victims, who often feel silenced and unable to seek help or share their experiences.

Several speakers, including victims and advocates, expressed their outrage over how NDAs protect perpetrators rather than the innocent. One speaker emphasized the need for open dialogue to break the stigma surrounding abuse, stating, "The only way we break the stigma is to talk about it." This sentiment was echoed by others who shared personal stories of suffering due to the constraints imposed by NDAs.

A representative from the Assemblies of God described a culture of silence within the organization, where pastors were pressured to sign NDAs to participate in meetings. This practice has led to a lack of awareness among church leaders about ongoing abuse cases, with one speaker noting that a significant number of adult men were involved in multiple lawsuits across several college campuses.

Senator Paxton raised concerns about the misuse of NDAs as tools of intimidation within organizations, suggesting that they can create an environment where employees feel compelled to remain silent about misconduct. He urged the committee to consider the implications of such practices and the need for reform.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of hearing from more witnesses and promised to continue the discussion on this pressing issue. The testimonies shared during the session underscored the urgent need for legislative action to protect victims and ensure accountability within institutions.