TREY'S Law
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 29, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to empower survivors of child sexual abuse and others to speak freely about such abuse by rendering restrictive nondisclosure agreements unenforceable, thereby preventing their use to conceal crimes.
What it actually does
H.R. 8571, known as "TREY'S Law," prohibits the enforcement of nondisclosure clauses in contracts or agreements that prevent victims or alleged victims of sexual abuse against a minor, or any person supporting them, from disclosing the abuse or related facts. The bill defines "sexual abuse against a minor person" broadly to encompass federal and state criminal offenses. It applies retroactively to existing agreements and preempts state laws that permit the enforcement of such clauses, while allowing states to enact stronger protections.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) have been weaponized to silence survivors, protect perpetrators, and obscure patterns of abuse, thereby frustrating law enforcement and child protection efforts. They contend that this bill is a necessary measure to protect fundamental constitutional rights, ensure justice for minors, and prevent the obstruction of federal criminal and civil law enforcement.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to protecting child abuse victims is rare, potential arguments against similar legislation often focus on contractual liberty, the sanctity of private agreements, or concerns about unintended consequences such as discouraging settlements or creating new legal complexities. However, the bill explicitly states that it does not prohibit confidentiality regarding settlement amounts, only the disclosure of abuse itself.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "Terminating Restrictive Enforcement of Youth Settlements Law" or "TREY'S Law." This provides a common, easily recognizable name for the legislation, aiding in public and legislative discourse.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and evocative short title like "TREY'S Law" helps to communicate the bill's purpose and galvanize public support for its objectives, particularly in protecting youth.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are primarily for identification and do not contain operative policy.
Tradeoffs
None significant for a short title.
Section 2
Congressional Findings and Purposes
This section lays out the constitutional basis and policy rationale for the bill. It asserts Congress's authority under the Interstate Commerce Clause, Necessary and Proper Clause (for enforcing federal criminal law), and Section 5 of the 14th Amendment (to prevent state action that violates survivors' rights). It finds that NDAs obstruct justice and violate fundamental rights, and states the bill's purpose is to enforce constitutional guarantees and prevent obstruction of federal law.
Section 3
Key Definitions
This section defines critical terms used throughout the Act: "minor person" as an individual under 18, "nondisclosure clause" as a contractual provision prohibiting disclosure of information, and "sexual abuse against a minor person" broadly to include offenses under Chapter 110 and Section 1591 of Title 18, U.S. Code, as well as any sexual act or contact involving a minor that constitutes a criminal offense under federal or state law.
Section 4
Prohibition on Enforcement of Certain Nondisclosure Clauses
This is the core operative section. It declares any nondisclosure clause void and unenforceable if it prohibits a victim or alleged victim of sexual abuse against a minor from disclosing the abuse or related facts. It also extends this protection to any other person disclosing facts in support of, in furtherance of, or consistent with the victim's right to disclose. Importantly, it clarifies that the bill does not prevent confidentiality regarding settlement amounts or payment terms, only the disclosure of the abuse itself.
Section 5
Retroactive Application and State Law Preemption
This section mandates that the Act applies to all relevant nondisclosure clauses, regardless of when the contract was entered into, and prohibits any person from enforcing or attempting to enforce such clauses. It also establishes federal preemption, superseding any state law that would permit the enforcement of clauses prohibited by this Act. However, it explicitly allows states or localities to enact laws that are consistent with or provide greater protection than TREY'S Law.