“Trey’s Law” Pre-Filed in the Alabama Legislature
Sen. Matt Woods, Rep. David Faulkner Pre-File Public Safety Bills to Ban NDAs in Civil Settlements re: Sexual Abuse, Assault, Human Trafficking
Alabama lawmakers are advancing a new effort to stop nondisclosure agreements from silencing survivors of sexual abuse, assault and human trafficking.
State Sen. Matt Woods (R-District 5) and Rep. David Faulkner (R-District 46) have pre-filed Senate Bill 30 and House Bill 93, known as “Trey’s Law,” ahead of the 2026 legislative session. The bills would ban NDAs in civil settlements involving sexual abuse, assault and human trafficking. Advocates say the change is about public safety and allowing survivors to speak freely about their experiences.
NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) are contracts often used in business to protect trade secrets or proprietary data. In some civil cases, though, critics argue that NDAs have been used to keep survivors from sharing their stories or holding accountable those responsible. The proposed Alabama law would make NDAs unenforceable in civil claims of these crimes. If passed, the bills would apply to agreements entered, executed or amended on or after Oct. 1, 2026.
“This legislation is a statement that survivors’ voices will no longer be lawfully silenced in Alabama’s civil courts,” said Elizabeth Phillips, the founder of Trey’s Law. “We applaud Sen. Woods and Rep. Faulkner for championing a future where truth, healing and freedom of speech are protected victims’ rights.”
The law is named for Trey Carlock, the late brother of Phillips. Carlock was sexually abused as a child at Kanakuk Ministries, a Christian sports camp in Missouri. After a criminal conviction of his abuser, Trey pursued civil legal action. That process ended in a settlement that included an NDA. Family members say the agreement kept him from speaking openly about his experience and its impact. Trey died by suicide at age 28 after telling a therapist, “they will always control me, and I’ll never be free.”
As a survivor-led push, Trey’s Law has already won approval in two other states this year. Texas and Missouri passed similar laws that took effect in late August and early September. Those measures make NDAs unenforceable in cases of sexual abuse, freeing survivors to share their stories and pursue accountability.
Supporters in Alabama include survivors, mental health professionals, advocates and faith leaders. They have encouraged people across the state to contact their elected officials to back SB 30 and HB 93. More information, including updates on the bills’ progress, is available at TreysLaw.org.
