The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at reforming the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of child sexual abuse. The proposed "Trey's Law" seeks to prohibit NDAs in civil cases involving child victims, a measure that advocates argue is essential for protecting the voices of survivors and preventing further abuse.

During the meeting, several survivors and advocates shared their harrowing experiences, emphasizing the detrimental impact of NDAs on victims. One speaker, a survivor of college sexual assault, highlighted that silencing victims through NDAs only serves to protect abusers and institutions, rather than the individuals who have suffered. She urged the committee to support HB 748, describing it as a strong version of Trey’s Law that has already garnered unanimous support in the other chamber.

Another witness, Cindy Clumashire, recounted her own abuse at the hands of a trusted community figure and the subsequent shame and silence enforced by NDAs. She argued that these agreements perpetuate a cycle of abuse by allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. Clumashire's testimony underscored the need for legislative change to empower victims to share their stories and seek justice.

Joe Alarcon, a father of a victim, also spoke passionately in favor of the bill, recounting the devastating effects of abuse on families and the relentless legal battles faced by those who refuse to remain silent. He called for a law that ensures NDAs cannot be used to cover up abuse, emphasizing the importance of giving victims a voice.

The committee heard from multiple survivors who echoed similar sentiments, stressing that NDAs are often used as tools of oppression rather than protection. They collectively urged lawmakers to act swiftly to pass Trey’s Law, framing it as a matter of public safety and justice for future generations.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were encouraged to consider the testimonies and the urgent need for reform. The discussions highlighted a growing movement in Texas to confront the issue of child sexual abuse and the legal barriers that silence victims, positioning the state as a potential leader in this critical area of reform.