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HB 748

Relating to the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions with respect to an act of sexual abuse.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado and 21 co-sponsors

Texas bill invalidates nondisclosure agreements that prevent sexual abuse survivors from reporting crimes, disclosing abuse, or participating in legal proceedings.

Not again placed on intent calendar
#childabuse(s4256) #charitable&nonprofitorganizations(i0055) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #humantrafficking(s0696) #minors--crimesagainst(i0532) #prostitution(s0016) #sexualabuse(s9791) #trey'slaw(po3e1)
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Bill Summary · HB 748

Legislative bill overview

HB 748 addresses the enforceability of nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements in cases involving sexual abuse. The bill would likely restrict or invalidate clauses that prevent survivors from disclosing abuse, reporting to authorities, or participating in legal proceedings. This represents an effort to prevent perpetrators from using legal contracts to silence victims.

Why is this important

Sexual abuse survivors often face legal barriers when confidentiality agreements are used to prevent them from reporting crimes, seeking justice, or warning others. This bill could enable survivors to come forward without fear of breach-of-contract lawsuits, which has real implications for accountability, victim support, and law enforcement investigations. The issue gained prominence nationally following high-profile cases where NDAs were used to conceal misconduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of invalidity: Unclear whether the bill voids only abuse-related confidentiality clauses or broader settlement agreements, potentially affecting legitimate business confidentiality interests and settlement negotiations
  • Retroactive application: Questions about whether the law applies to existing agreements signed before passage, which could create legal uncertainty for businesses and organizations
  • Defining "sexual abuse": The bill's specific definition matters greatly—broader definitions protect more people but may conflict with other privacy interests or complicate burden of proof in disputes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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