Sen. Gounardes and AM Gonzalez-Rojas’ CREEP Act Passes State Legislature
Legislation modernizes outdated stalking protections, creates civil order of protection before harm escalates, bringing New York in line with 43 states
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 4, 2026
New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas issued the following statement after their CREEP Act passed both chambers of the state legislature:
“In the era of cyberstalking, revenge porn, and deep fakes, our laws haven't kept up—and survivors of abuse are getting left behind. Right now, many survivors are forced to seek safety through a legal system that fails to give them the protection they need. But as abuse moves online, we need tools that allow people to act quickly, before harm escalates.
“The CREEP Act creates a new civil anti-stalking order of protection that allows courts to step in quickly and gives survivors more, better options to stay safe. Forty-three other states have figured this out. It’s time New York did, too. Stalking and harassment destroys lives. By modernizing our laws for a world where harassment has gone digital, we ensure no New Yorker is left without protection.”
Background:
The Ceasing Repeated and Extremely Egregious Predatory (CREEP) Behavior Act (S.3394A/A3226A) is designed to update protections for stalking and harassment survivors in the digital age.
Under current New York law, civil orders of protection—court orders that a survivor can seek without a criminal case—can only be obtained by those with familial or intimate relationships to the person stalking them. This antiquated requirement leaves many victims, such as those targeted by coworkers, strangers, or online harassers, without access to civil protective orders. These New Yorkers must rely on law enforcement prioritizing their case and intervening before it’s too late.
The bill follows the lead of 43 other states by allowing civil courts to issue anti-stalking orders of protection, giving stalking victims a faster, more accessible path to protection. The CREEP Act offers court-issued protection to anyone facing harassment, threats, or stalking—regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator. This new order of protection would allow courts to more quickly and easily protect victims of digital harassment, provide faster support for victims without the need for an arrest, and better protect those left behind by existing laws.
The CREEP Act is backed by the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York and more than 25 nationally recognized victims’ rights organizations, including RAINN, Safe Horizon, Sanctuary for Families, the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Joyful Heart Foundation, Legal Momentum, Women’s Equal Justice, and MyOwn Image. Last week, a coalition of actors, musicians, and other public figures signed a joint letter in support of the legislation.
The bill has passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature, and will now head to the Governor’s desk.
Press Contact:
Billy Richling
Communications Director
State Senator Andrew Gounardes
###