Lawmakers are urging the New York State Assembly to pass an act aiming to modernize outdated stalking legislation and provide better protection for victims.

Officials, survivors and advocates gathered for a press conference about the CREEP Act at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday.

Under current state law, civil orders of protection can only be obtained by those with a familial or intimate relationship with an accused stalker.

The CREEP Act would change that standard and allow victims to seek civil orders of protection regardless of relationship status.

“Stalking destroys lives, and New York’s laws still leave too many survivors exposed,” said Senator Andrew Gounardes. “Right now, many survivors are forced to seek safety through a legal system that fails to give them the protection they need. The CREEP Act would change that by creating a new civil anti‑stalking order of protection that allows courts to step in quickly, before harm escalates.”

Proponents of the bill argue that it will bring New York up to date with 43 other states that already offer broader stalking protections.

“It’s time New York did too—by modernizing our laws for a world where harassment has gone digital and ensuring no victim is left without protection simply because our laws have failed to keep up,” said Gounardes.