Texas Expands Protections Beyond Child Victims
In Texas, the law allows survivors to speak freely about their experiences unless a court explicitly orders otherwise. Unlike Missouri, Texas broadened the scope to include all sexual assault and human trafficking cases, regardless of the victim’s age. Lawmakers credited powerful survivor testimonies, including those from victims of Kanakuk Kamps, Boy Scouts, and church institutions, with shaping the final version.
Missouri’s Narrower Focus
Missouri’s version, HB-737, went into effect the same day but applies only to child sexual abuse cases. Advocates argue it is a step forward, though some believe the law should expand to protect all victims of sexual assault.