House Bill No. 1974 aims to enhance the enforceability of certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions related to acts of sexual abuse against children. The bill introduces Chapter 129C to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, defining "act of sexual abuse" and establishing that any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that restricts a party's ability to report such abuse to law enforcement or disclose relevant facts during investigations or legal proceedings is void and unenforceable. This includes provisions that prevent notifying law enforcement agencies or sharing details about the abuse, including the identity of the alleged offender.

The bill emphasizes the public policy of Texas, which prioritizes the reporting and disclosure of child sexual abuse incidents. It applies to agreements made before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. By prohibiting the enforcement of confidentiality agreements in these contexts, the legislation seeks to ensure that victims and witnesses can report abuse without fear of legal repercussions from nondisclosure clauses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()