Two lawmakers recently celebrated the signing of a bill that holds the power to protect victims of child sex abuse.

The full press release is below:

JEFFERSON CITY – Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, and Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, today celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 81 earlier this week. SB 81, sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, is a public safety bill that included a piece of legislation sponsored by Hudson and Seitz, known as Trey’s Law, as an amendment. Trey’s Law prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in childhood sexual abuse cases. The legislation was named for Trey Carlock, a victim of childhood sexual abuse, who was convinced to sign an NDA, silencing his ability to discuss his abuse and ultimately leading to him taking his own life.

“The signing of SB 81, including Trey’s Law, is a step in the right direction towards making sure Missouri is no longer a sanctuary state for pedophiles,” Hudson said. “I was proud to champion this legislation in the Senate, attaching it as an amendment to multiple bills, and I am thankful to now see it signed into law by Gov. Kehoe. Trey Carlock’s story is tragic, but now, thanks to the legislation bearing his name, NDAs will no longer be allowed to be used in childhood sexual abuse cases. His life mattered, and his story will save the lives of children both now, and in the future.”

“Four years ago I became a voice for the thousands of victims of childhood sexual abuse in Missouri,” Seitz said. “These individuals, too often ignored and silenced by a system stacked against them, needed an advocate in the Capitol and I was proud to become their champion. This year, finally with a counterpart in Sen. Brad Hudson willing to work just as hard in the Senate, we took a huge step in the fight by passing Trey’s Law. I want to thank Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, for her unyielding advocacy, as well as the dozens of victims who shared their stories and made this possible. This is only the beginning as we continue the fight to let victims of childhood sexual abuse seek the justice they deserve.”

SB 81, now signed by Gov. Kehoe, will go into effect on Aug. 28, 2025.

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