State Representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Melanie Miller have introduced a bill called “Trey’s Law” in Ohio. The proposed legislation aims to provide stronger protections for victims of sexual abuse and hold offenders accountable.
If enacted, Trey’s Law would make it clear that any agreement—including employment contracts, settlement agreements, or other arrangements—that prohibits someone from speaking about sexual abuse is void and unenforceable in Ohio.
“One in eight children in our country will experience some form of sexual abuse,” said Rep. Klopfenstein. “Under no circumstances should an abuser be allowed to retraumatize a survivor by using a nondisclosure agreement to silence them and keep their story hidden.”
“No contract should ever be used to cover up criminal behavior,” said Rep. Miller. “Trey’s Law ensures that those who commit abuse cannot rely on legal loopholes to escape accountability. Our responsibility is to protect children, stand for transparency, and allow survivors to share their stories without fear of repercussions.”
The law is named after Trey Carlock, who was sexually abused as a child for over ten years at Kamp Kanakuk in Missouri. After the camp director Pete Newman was sentenced to three life terms in 2010 for sexual offenses, Carlock pursued civil litigation but ultimately signed a settlement with a nondisclosure agreement that prevented him from discussing his abuse or the camp’s involvement. Carlock died by suicide at age 28.
Other states such as Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, California, and Missouri have passed similar laws or introduced related bills.
The Ohio bill will be assigned a number and referred to a House committee soon.
