---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 19402"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "19402"
heading: "Definitions"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/19402"
units:
  - "Chapter 164 — Speak Out Act"
---

# §19402. Definitions


In this chapter:

- (1) **Nondisclosure clause—** The term “nondisclosure clause” means a provision in a contract or agreement that requires the parties to the contract or agreement not to disclose or discuss conduct, the existence of a settlement involving conduct, or information covered by the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement.
- (2) **Nondisparagement clause—** The term “nondisparagement clause” means a provision in a contract or agreement that requires 1 or more parties to the contract or agreement not to make a negative statement about another party that relates to the contract, agreement, claim, or case.
- (3) **Sexual assault dispute—** The term “sexual assault dispute” means a dispute involving a nonconsensual sexual act or sexual contact, as such terms are defined in [section 2246 of title 18](/usc/18/2246.md) or similar applicable Tribal or [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
- (4) **Sexual harassment dispute—** The term “sexual harassment dispute” means a dispute relating to conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment under applicable Federal, Tribal, or [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) law.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 117–224, § 3, Dec. 7, 2022, 136 Stat. 2290.)