what does ‘creep’ stand for?

Great question. It stands for the Ceasing Repeated & Extremely Egregious Predatory Behavior Act.

why didn’t the creep act pass last year?

Another great question. 2025 was the first year CREEP was introduced in both Houses, the Senate and Assembly. We got it passed through the Senate–unanimously. Unfortunately, despite having the support of 31 Members including the powerful Chair of the Committee it was referred to, it was not put to vote on the Assembly floor. We’ve rethought our strategy, pumped it up a bit, hence this website, and remain committed to passing CREEP in 2026!

who sponsors creep?

The main sponsors are Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-26) and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (D-34). We also have 20 more Senate co-sponsors and 30 more Assembly co-sponsors.

what does the creep act do?

Creates a new type of Order of Protection called an Anti-Stalking Order (ASO).

What is an order of protection?

If you’re wondering if it’s like a Restraining Order–it is! Different states call them different things, but OPs are court-mandated documents signed by a judge that tell the offender to stop all contact with the victim.

do orders of protection actually work?

Yes! We are a law firm that has obtained OPs for stalking victims for over a decade. We have exceptional insight into the process and know firsthand that OPs are very often enough for the offender to pivot and stop stalking. In the case an offender disregards and violates the OP, they will immediately be arrested.

P.S. Our attorneys helped draft the first version of the bill and have remained close advisors to our legislative sponsors ever since!

IS THIS A STATE BILL?

Yes! This is a NEW YORK STATE bill. We are one of only seven states that restrict Orders of Protection based on the relationship between a victim and their stalker.

which seven states have restrictive stalking orders of protection?

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, New York, and Oklahoma.

how can i get involved?

Yay for getting involved! The short answer is: contact your state reps, share our social media content, sign our letter, share your stalking story, or come to Albany! For more on all of this, click here.

will the creep act put more people in jail?

No! CREEP is a diversion bill. In other words, it gives offenders (stalkers) one chance to correct their behavior to avoid arrest.

will the creep act keep dangerous people on the street?

No. CREEP is uniquely effective because the anti-stalking orders it creates hold the power of arrest upon violation. Think of it as a pair of handcuffs behind the ASO–if you violate this order, you will be arrested.

shouldn’t all stalkers be in jail?

No. We think that victims should get to decide whether their stalker is arrested or not. Many victims feel morally conflicted about putting someone in handcuffs and instead prefer an anti-stalking order–they just want the stalking to stop.

why wouldn’t people want to go to the police?

There are many reasons people don’t feel comfortable or safe going to the police. Whether it’s previous experiences with law enforcement, their immigration status, or something else, there are no shortage of reasons why pursuing criminal charges is not the ideal route for every victim.

what if i want to go to the police?

You still can! CREEP is a wholly additive measure. We are not removing or altering any of our current state laws, we are simply expanding eligibility for civil recourse. That means if you are being stalked and you want to go to the police, CREEP does not at all stand in the way! This bill is only looking to increase options for all New Yorkers, not take any away.

is creep anti-law enforcement?

No, no, no. The Anti-Stalking Orders that CREEP creates and allows courts to issue only have teeth because of the threat of arrest. Without law enforcement, we would not be able to scare stalkers into stopping stalking. We are grateful for the collaboration, and cooperation of NY law enforcement.

does law enforcement support creep?

Yes! We are endorsed by an incredibly diverse coalition of individuals and organizations across the political and human spectrum, from police officers to faith-based orgs to sex workers. See all of our allies here.