(MO)
KOLR-TV [Springfield MO]
March 9, 2025
By Jared Henry
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.”Ex-camper sues Branson-based summer camp for allegedly concealing sexual abuse
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.”
Ozarks First once again spoke with Logan Yandell, who is a survivor of abuse at Kanakuk. Now, he is happy to hear progress is being made.
“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.Man serving life sentence for Kanakuk sexual abuse denied parole
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.
“Given the nature of this bill, I would be shocked if it doesn’t wind up on the Governor’s desk,” says Yandell.
Seitz says non-disclosure agreements were misused with the victims at Kanakuk and is urging the Missouri Congress to fast-track the bill.
“Nondisclosure agreements are designed for trade secrets, not to protect pedophiles. This legislation needs to get to the governor’s desk as soon as possible,” says Seitz.
Next, the bill will be heading to the House floor. If it receives the required minimum of 82 votes it will be sent to the Senate, where the same process will happen again. If the bill is approved there, it will go to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.