This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 55-7-33, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at addressing agreements related to sexual abuse. The legislation outlines several findings, emphasizing the significant harm caused by sexual abuse to individuals and society, the long-term trauma experienced by survivors, and the state's interest in preventing such abuse and supporting victims. It declares that any agreement that prohibits disclosure of sexual abuse acts or related information is against public policy and therefore void and unenforceable.

Furthermore, the bill defines "sexual abuse" in accordance with existing offenses in the state code and specifies that any nondisclosure, confidentiality, or similar agreements that restrict disclosure of sexual abuse information are unenforceable. It clarifies that these provisions apply to agreements made before, on, or after the effective date of the law, while allowing for confidentiality regarding the amount of compensation in settlement agreements and the personal identifying information of victims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7-33