Bill to protect child sex abuse victims makes progress in Missouri House

by: Jared Henry

Posted: Mar 9, 2025 / 10:37 AM CDT

Updated: Mar 9, 2025 / 10:37 AM CDT

MISSOURI – A Missouri House committee voted to advance a bill hoping to help minors who have been sexually assaulted.

House Bill 709 makes non-disclosure agreements unenforceable in child sex abuse cases. This means victims can speak out and tell their stories if they choose to.

The bill was introduced in response to the abuse scandal at Kanakuk Sports Camp in the Branson area. Brian Seitz, who represents the area, says that while there is still much more to be done before the bill becomes a law, this is progress nonetheless.

“We should be hearing House Bill 709 on the House floor as early as next week,” says Rep. Seitz. “Let’s get it to the governor’s desk. Let’s help the now adult victims of child sexual abuse heal.”

Seitz explained that this bill is personal to him as the Kanakuk abuse scandal happened so close to home.

“The fact that it has happened close to home here in the 156th district is concerning to me,” Seitz said. “These now-adult victims of child sexual abuse need to be helped.”

“I felt proud honestly. I felt proud of Representative Seitz and all the work that he’s done, and all the work the fellow survivors that I know have done,” says Yandell.

Seitz explained that less than 3% of the bills written by the House each legislative session make it to the Governor’s desk, but Yandell is confident that other lawmakers will see how important this bill is.

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