Committee advances bill to void NDAs that silence childhood sexual‑abuse victims

Senator Presley presented Senate Bill 185, commonly described as "Trey's Law," designed to render nondisclosure clauses unenforceable when they would bar survivors of childhood sexual abuse from speaking. Todd Lachelet, director of policy and advocacy for No More Victims Alliance, testified that restrictive NDAs "effectively silenced Trey" and argued such clauses "were never intended to shield institutional negligence"; he urged a favorable report.

Vice Chair Luno and others said they supported the bill's goals but expressed concern that some victims may prefer confidentiality; Luno noted he worked with the sponsor and had received an amendment addressing his concerns. Senator Carter asked whether the bill would oblige victims to disclose; Lachelet answered that the bill does not force disclosure and that the intent is to restore the victim's right to speak, while enabling others (parents, bystanders) to speak in support of a victim's choice without being bound by an NDA.

The committee adopted amendment set 2,040 to address committee concerns and reported SB185 with amendments. Supporters said the change brings Louisiana in line with other states that have passed similar laws and argued the policy promotes transparency and child protection; opponents were not recorded in committee as blocking the report.