Representatives in the Oklahoma House of Representatives have unanimously passed the Cindy Clemishire Act (also known as and Trey’s Law), which would make any non-disclosure agreements intended to exploit or conceal details of a child sexual abuse claim void and unenforceable.
The unanimous 80-0 vote on Oklahoma House Bill 4227 was held on March 17, according to official documents. It has now been referred to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration, and if signed into law, it would become effective on Nov. 1.
In addition to making NDA’s void in cases of child sexual abuse, HB 4227 removes the statute of limitations on sex crimes committed against children. It further mandates that the identity of child sex abuse victims be kept confidential and requires healthcare professionals to document and report suspected cases of sexual assault to law enforcement.
Earlier this month, Republican state Rep. Chris Kannady, who authored the bill, said legislators aim to hold perpetrators of child sex abuse accountable.
“Trey’s Law is about making sure justice is never silenced,” Kannady said in a statement. “For too long, NDAs have been used to shield predators and powerful institutions from accountability. This bill ensures that victims are not legally bound to secrecy while their abusers avoid the consequences of their crimes.”
