Lawmakers Push For “The CREEP Act” In New York State

Laws can often become old and need to be adjusted to reflect our times. This act attempts to modernize some rules that are already on the books.

Lawmakers are trying to make it easier for people to get protection from stalking and harassment in New York State with the CREEP Act. The acronym stands for The Ceasing Repeated and Extremely Egregious Predatory (CREEP) Behavior Act.

What is the CREEP Act for?

The goal is to give victims "a new anti-stalking order of protection through civil court that would allow courts to more quickly and easily protect victims of harassment both online and offline."  It's being promoted by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

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While victims can get orders of protection from things like harassment, threats, or stalking that happen offline, the process can often take a long time.  This Act would help people receive protection faster without having to wait for an arrest.

"Technology has transformed our lives, but in the era of cyberstalking, revenge porn and deep fakes, our laws haven't kept up. This commonsense policy modernizes New York's laws to account for the digital landscape where so much harassment now occurs, and ensures our neighbors and loved ones are protected both online and offline." - State Senator Andrew Gounardes

43 other states already have laws that will protect victims of online stalking and harassment before it's too late.  This bill (Senate Bill S3394) is currently in committee and has quite a few more steps before it can become a law.