SAN ANTONIO – Survivors of sexual assault in Texas are poised to gain a significant measure of freedom following the passing of a transformative piece of legislation known as Trey’s Law. This new law, touted as the most robust of its kind in the nation, nullifies non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to sexual assault, allowing victims to speak openly about their experiences without the threat of legal repercussions.
The law is named after Trey Carlock, who endured a decade of grooming and abuse by his summer camp director beginning at the age of seven. His sister, Elizabeth Phillips, has been a tireless advocate for change in the wake of his tragic death by suicide in 2019. Phillips recalls how her brother’s battle with trauma extended beyond the abuse itself, eventually leading to feelings of hopelessness. Prior to taking his life, Carlock confided in a therapist about feeling permanently controlled and voiceless.
In the aftermath of Carlock’s struggles, his family took action to ensure that no other victim would have to experience similar torment. The law’s passage follows years of advocacy and was championed by a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers who listened to survivors’ testimonies during the Texas Legislative session. State Representative Jeff Leach emphasized that no other state has enacted legislation as robust as this one, which passed unanimously.
Beginning September 1, 2025, any NDA executed by sexual assault survivors will be rendered void, regardless of the agreements’ terms. Phillips celebrated the law as a moral victory, stating it allows survivors to reclaim their voices and ensures accountability falls where it rightfully belongs—with the perpetrators.
The law represents a critical shift in the narrative surrounding sexual assault, aiming to help normalize the discussion around these traumatic experiences. Phillips expressed her relief, suggesting that this legislation could help dismantle feelings of shame that victims often carry. “This bill gives victims their voices back and allows for blame to be properly placed on those responsible for the abuse,” she noted.
In addition to her advocacy for the new law, Phillips is looking ahead to future challenges, particularly around statutes of limitations for sexual assault cases. In Texas, survivors have only 10 years to report a criminal offense and five years for civil litigation, which leaves many victims unheard. Phillips argues that research indicates survivors often take decades to disclose their experiences, highlighting a crucial gap in existing policy.
Phillips has also spearheaded initiatives to educate families on recognizing the signs of child grooming and ensuring safer environments for children. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the grooming process, which often involves making children feel isolated and fostering trust before introducing sexual content. Advocates like Phillips are actively working to raise awareness and promote educational resources on protecting children from abuse.
As the family prepares for continued advocacy and awareness campaigns, Phillips hopes to influence legislation beyond Texas, as Carlock’s abuse originated in Missouri. Her ongoing work underlines a commitment to not just honor her brother’s memory, but also to strive for systemic changes that empower survivors.
In a broader context, the passage of Trey’s Law could herald a new era for sexual assault survivors across the United States, potentially influencing legislative efforts in other states. By eliminating NDAs, Texas not only acts in the interest of justice for individual victims but also sets a precedent for broader legal change aimed at protecting and empowering survivors.
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