Source: missouriindependent.com 6/10/25
Legislation to void non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The bill has been called “Trey’s Law,” referring to the late Trey Carlock, who died by suicide in 2019 after being sexually abused by Pete Newman at the Branson-based Kanakuk Kamps.
Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlock, said at a hearing on the bill in February that he had to agree to an NDA as a condition of his settlement with the camp.
“Trey told someone just before his death that ‘they’ll always control me and I’ll never be free,’” Carlock said in February. “…A lot of truth dies with people because of NDAs, and that only protects bad actors, which is contrary to public interest.”
Non-disclosure agreements signed after Aug. 28, 2025 will no longer be enforceable for childhood sexual abuse claims under the new law.
Yet another victim law bagging to be abused. This law is basically legalized blackmail. Accusers – actual and false – can now demand repeated payments for non-disclosure (and with the latter, certainly will).
But as I understand it, a settlement is part of the NDA which is now unenforceable, correct? Shouldn’t that mean the settlement should be returned upon disclosure? If not, why not?
The crimes perpetrated against children, particularly by those in a position of trust or authority like clergy, family, teachers, camp counselors… are awful, just plain awful and there are not words strong enough for how awful. I am sickened by it and sad for the children who had to endure and are now saddled with those memories and emotional trauma as adults.
Speak your truth and seek justice. I’m sure that’s easier said than done, but no one is stopping them from doing so as adults. However, this article is about taking a settlement, which by definition means the whole thing is settled and closed. I am not advocating for settlements, but no one is making anyone take one. Don’t take the money, tell your truth.
People are lured by the $, then later upset by the mental cost of that decision.