A historic legal decision in Williamson County, Tennessee, has established that nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) signed as part of legal settlements cannot be used to conceal child sexual abuse allegations. This groundbreaking ruling addresses a long-standing question regarding whether a 2018 state law banning these restrictive provisions could apply retroactively to cases settled before the legislation was passed.
Court Decides 2018 Law Applies to Past Settlement Agreements
The legal strategy centered on Tennessee’s Senate Bill 2426, enacted in 2018, which banned settlement provisions designed to conceal the details of child sexual abuse. Although the law passed with rare bipartisan enthusiasm, it sat dormant without being cited in a single court case until someone reopened their case of clergy sexual abuse in 2023.
Delivered in December 2025 and finalized in February 2026, the ruling by Judge Joseph Woodruff explicitly stated that the 2018 law applies to all NDAs signed in Tennessee, regardless of whether they were executed before or after the statute was enacted. While this lower-court decision does not automatically invalidate every NDA across the state, it sets a monumental stepping stone for other impacted individuals seeking the right to speak openly.
Shifting the Legal Landscape for Religious and Educational Institutions
The implications of the Williamson County ruling could trigger a massive shift for major organizations, including religious institutions, K–12 schools, and youth programming groups. For decades, many entities have utilized confidentiality clauses to settle civil claims quietly. Attorney Daniel Horwitz pointed out that institutions such as the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention hold hundreds of historical agreements that may now be vulnerable to similar legal challenges.
Currently, only six states have laws comparable to Tennessee’s restrictions on abuse-related NDAs. This decision provides a critical roadmap for victims nationwide to challenge unlawful silence. Jane hopes her extensive advocacy will prevent future tragedies and empower other families to come forward without fear of legal liability. Today, her child is doing well, participating in school activities, and thriving after receiving dedicated therapeutic support.
Know Your Rights and Explore Your Options for Justice
Navigating the aftermath of sexual harm can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to carry the burden alone. Whether an incident occurred recently or decades ago, survivors deserve comprehensive assistance and clear information about their legal rights and resources. Civil lawsuits can be an effective way to hold bad actors, workplaces, and negligent organizations accountable for failing to protect vulnerable individuals.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by abuse, Helping Survivors is here. We can help demystify your legal choices and may be able to introduce you to experienced law firms, such as our attorney partners at Milberg PLLC, that specialize in advocating for victims of wrongdoing. Contact Helping Survivors today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about your options and take control of your path forward.
