Introduction Missouri Senate Hearings To Reform Child Sexual Abuse Laws With SB589 & SB590
Survivors of child sexual abuse from across Missouri and beyond gathered in a historic Senate hearing to advocate for legal reform. Senate Bills 589 and 590 represent a critical opportunity to revise outdated Missouri laws and ensure justice is more accessible to survivors. Through powerful and courageous public testimonies, survivors shared deeply personal experiences involving religious and institutional leaders. Their appeal was unified: reform Missouri’s statute of limitations and prohibit NDAs that silence victims.
Why Missouri Child Sexual Abuse Laws Must Change
Missouri currently has some of the narrowest civil statutes of limitations in the U.S. for child sexual abuse—laws that, in some instances, have not changed since 1939. Research shows that survivors of childhood sexual trauma often take decades to process their abuse and come forward. The average age of disclosure is 52 years old. As the law stands, many discover the courage to speak only to learn their legal window has already closed.
Testimonies from Survivors Involving IHOPKC, Mike Bickle and Kanakuk Camps
Tammy Woods and Deborah Perkins offered public testimonies describing experiences they allege occurred under the influence of Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC). Both women described being minors at the time and recounted alleged spiritual manipulation and long-term grooming. They testified to the psychological and physical toll the experiences had on their lives, and the challenges they faced in recognizing and processing the abuse years later.
Other survivors spoke about abuse linked to former Kanakuk director Pete Newman—who is now serving two life sentences for sex crimes against minors—and described what they allege was institutional mishandling of abuse reports. Multiple accounts included allegations that leadership at Kanakuk Camps failed to take appropriate action when signs of abuse emerged and used NDAs to silence victims.
About Missouri Senate Hearings For Bills SB 589 and SB 590
- SB 589 seeks to eliminate Missouri’s statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse, enabling survivors to seek justice no matter when they come forward.
- SB 590, also known as Trey’s Law, aims to prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in child sexual abuse and trafficking cases, to ensure victims cannot be contractually silenced about their abuse.
A Matter of Public Safety and Civil Rights
The issue extends beyond personal justice—it’s about protecting Missouri families. Several testimonies emphasized that predators are often enabled by systems that protect reputations and institutions rather than victims. With current laws in place, survivors are legally barred from seeking accountability, while the individuals and organizations they accuse remain shielded.
Conclusion: Support SB 589 & SB 590
The voices heard at this hearing reflect a broader national concern about legal gaps that deny survivors access to civil courts. Missouri has the opportunity to take meaningful steps forward by passing Senate Bills 589 and 590. These reforms would not only validate survivor experiences but also strengthen public safety.
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Watch the Full Testimonies Here:
