Trey's Law would make it easier for child sexual abuse survivors in Missouri to prosecute perpetrators, share experiences

In Missouri, significant changes may soon reshape how child sexual assault cases are addressed. Legislation named after a survivor of abuse at a summer camp is advancing, with bills introduced by Branson lawmakers Sen. Brad Hudson and Rep. Brian Seitz aimed at abolishing nondisclosure agreements in such cases. Additionally, a bill seeks to remove the statute of limitations, enabling survivors to file lawsuits whenever they choose.

Currently, survivors in Missouri are required to file cases against offenders by age 31 and against institutions by age 26. Advocacy group Enough Abuse highlights that many do not come forward until decades later, which underscores the urgency for reform. A House committee has already approved the bills unanimously, and they await further consideration from a Senate committee.

The movement for change gained emotional support from Elizabeth Phillips, who lost her brother Trey Carlock to suicide after being bound by a nondisclosure agreement following his lawsuit against Kanakuk Kamps. Phillips noted that victims should not be subjected to arbitrary limits that they may not even be aware of, emphasizing the need for laws that favor survivors rather than perpetrators.

Sen. Hudson reinforced this sentiment, arguing that implementing a statute of limitations undermines the rights of survivors in favor of abusers. Testimonies from Phillips and other survivors before a Senate committee have been notable, marking a significant moment in the advocacy for these legislative changes.

However, there is opposition from insurance groups who argue that eliminating the statute of limitations would lead to significant increases in insurance costs due to unpredictable liabilities. Lobbyists have voiced concerns about how companies could manage insurance rates if faced with unlimited potential claims from previous decades. The outcome of these bills will determine the future landscape for survivors of child sexual assault in Missouri.