Missouri Enacts Trey’s Law, Voiding NDAs for Child Sex Abuse Victims
Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for child sex abuse victims are no longer allowed in Missouri, thanks to a piece of new legislation known as Trey’s Law.
On June 10, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 81 into law, a comprehensive public safety legislative package that included Trey’s Law among five other provisions. The law provides that “NDAs signed after August 28, 2025, shall no longer be enforceable for childhood sexual abuse (victims).”
It is in memory of Trey Carlock, a victim of abuse at Kanakuk Kamps in southwest Missouri, who took his own life in 2019 at the age of 28. His sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, helped bring together a national coalition of advocates to press for passage of a law, which came to be named after her brother.
“This is an historic victory for child sexual abuse and trafficking victims, making Missouri safer for all by putting predators on notice,” Phillips told The Roys Report (TRR) in a statement.
She alluded to the “high price” that past victims have paid. Her brother Trey was victimized as a minor by Kanakuk leader Pete Newman, who engaged in sexual abuse at the Christian camp after he was hired in 1995. Today, Newman is jailed on charges against 57 victims.
Carlock never spoke publicly about the abuse because in order to get a financial settlement from the camp, he signed an NDA.
Today, Phillips praised the law’s passage “so that victims can have their voices back after their innocence was stolen.” She added, “I’m so grateful to the many survivors and witnesses who advocated to get this done.”
Prior to an April 16 vote on the House version of Trey’s Law, State Rep. Tonya Rush disclosed her own childhood abuse in a floor speech. She stated, “I don’t think any child should be silenced at all.”
A related bill, SB589, to eliminate the statute of limitations (SOL) for child sex abuse, did not pass. “Survivors will continue to advocate for civil SOL reform next session,” stated a spokesperson for the Trey’s Law coalition.
Additionally, in Texas, a version of Trey’s Law passed the Texas Legislature on May 26 and is awaiting signature by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Elizabeth Carlock Phillips and Joe Alarcon, father of a former Kanakuk student and victim, are pictured outside the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. (Courtesy Photo)
No longer a ‘sanctuary state for predators’
At a Missouri Senate hearing on March 26, Phillips testified in support of the now-enacted bill, alongside abuse survivors connected to Kanakuk and the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC).
Former members Tammy Woods and Deborah Perkins have alleged that IHOPKC founder Mike Bickle abused them, as previously reported.
Both women praised yesterday’s enactment of Trey’s Law in statements to TRR.
“Missouri has far too long had the reputation of being a sanctuary state for predators,” stated Woods. “The banning of NDAs for child sex abuse and trafficking victims is a huge gain for justice. The tide is turning in the Show Me State as victims are being given back their voices.”
Woods recently moved with her family to Michigan, after living most of her life in the St. Louis area — where Bickle allegedly abused her as a girl starting at age 14.
Some religious figures have balked at the state imposing additional laws related to child safety and disclosure. But Woods told TRR, “Government policy becomes necessary when church government fails miserably. Tragically, churches and Christian ministries such as IHOPKC and Kanakuk Kamps have participated in corrupt cover-up of abuse and perpetuated injustice.”
Perkins, who was Bickle’s assistant at age 19 when his alleged abuse began, echoed her friend. “Christian organizations can no longer pretend there isn’t a problem,” she said.
She added that it “remains to be seen” how this law will affect ongoing turmoil at IHOPKC.
Recently, charismatic pastor Rick Joyner expressed support for Bickle returning to public ministry, saying, “His time’s not up.”
Similarly, in March, a group of ministers suggested Bickle could return to “informal ministry” if he meets certain conditions.
These sentiments are concerning to some survivors, who believe certain Christian leaders are far too eager to restore disqualified but charismatic leaders.
But today’s legislative victory gives them hope.
“Instead of victims being bullied and silenced with NDAs, abusers’ lies will be silenced by truth,” Woods said. “Now we just need the one-two justice punch of the removal of the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse.”
Gracia, a victim of abuse by another former staff member at IHOPKC and now a survivors’ advocate, also praised the enactment of Trey’s Law, calling it “a seismic win for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.”
She added, “Missouri is choosing to believe survivors, empower them and put justice where it belongs.”
The law’s passage was a joint effort among diverse legislators, public-interest advocates and faith leaders.
“I feel it is the beginning of a true justice movement,” said Perkins. “It acts as a preventative measure to hinder future perpetrators from feeling a sense of protection from the consequences of their actions.”
This article originally appeared at The Roys Report.
Josh Shepherd writes on faith, culture and public policy for several media outlets.