Texas lawmakers OK bill related to allegations against ex-Gateway pastor
The Texas House on April 8 took a step toward restricting nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements for sexual abuse and assault cases.
The legislation, House Bill 784, comes after former Gateway Church lead pastor Robert Morris was indicted in Oklahoma on charges of sexual abuse of a child. The woman he’s accused of abusing in the 1980s when she was 12, Cindy Clemishire, gave emotional testimony in March supporting the legislation, days after Morris’ indictment.
While seeking financial restitution, Clemishire said she was offered an NDA as part of a settlement and refused.
The bill — “Trey’s Law” — is named after Trey Carlock, who was subject to a NDA and died by suicide in 2019 following years of grooming and child sexual by a Missouri summer camp director, according to his sister, Elizabeth Phillips of Dallas, who also testified on the bill in March.
The bill was given initial approval on a 149-0 vote. The House is expected to vote on it once more before sending it to the Senate for consideration.
The legislation says confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements are unenforceable in civil case settlements for sexual abuse and assault cases if the agreement would stop someone from speaking out about the abuse.
It includes cases involving children, as well as human trafficking and cases involving compelling prostitution.
Other provisions of an agreement, such as payment terms, could be kept confidential if a person agrees.
“It’s clear today, you either stand with victims or you stand with the people who harm them, period,” Rep. Jeff Leach, a Plano Republican who authored the bill, said on the House floor. “And today, the House is standing not with the victims but with the victors in this important fight.”
Morris’ attorney Mack Martin and Camp Kanakuk did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the legislation. Gateway declined to comment.
Clemishire told lawmakers in March that because she refused to sign an NDA her abuser is being held accountable.
“I just think it’s amazing that they’re finally taking action to change the laws to protect the children instead of the predators,” Clemishire said in an April 8 interview.
This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM.
