Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025, as Stalking Awareness Month in the State of New York
This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Stalking Awareness Month in New York State. It does not create a new criminal offense, civil remedy, or regulatory program; instead, it is a formal legislative request recognizing stalking as a serious public safety and public health issue and encouraging statewide awareness and prevention efforts.
The resolution describes stalking as a pattern of unwanted harassing or threatening conduct that causes fear or safety concerns, and it highlights common forms of stalking such as following, unwanted communications, digital tracking, and intimidation. It also emphasizes the prevalence and harms of stalking, including impacts on young people, intimate partner violence, workplace disruption, relocation, and long-term mental health effects. The measure frames awareness and education as important tools for prevention and for improving responses by the public and helping professionals.
Because this is a memorializing resolution, its legal impact is limited: it does not amend the Penal Law, Family Court Act, or any other statute, and it does not impose duties on state agencies or private parties. Its practical effect is symbolic and promotional, seeking gubernatorial proclamation of a designated awareness month and encouraging public education about stalking, victim support, and prevention. The resolution may indirectly support future policy, outreach, or advocacy efforts related to stalking and intimate partner violence.
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive and concerned, with a clear emphasis on the seriousness of stalking and the need for awareness. The resolution presents stalking as widespread, harmful, and often underrecognized, and it advocates prevention through education and community norms. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no evidence of opposition in the available materials.
No specific points of contention are identified in the available record. Because there are no committee transcripts or votes, any disagreement is not documented here. If there were concerns, they would most likely relate to the symbolic nature of the resolution, the use of state recognition for awareness campaigns, or broader policy questions about how stalking prevention should be addressed, but none are stated in the provided materials.