Bills affecting Survivor (domestic or sexual violence) in New York — 2026 session

Enacts the "ceasing repeated and extremely egregious predatory (CREEP) behavior act"; provides for the issuance of anti-stalking orders.

Removes statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to child sexual assault offenses.

Relates to the statute of limitations for actions based on discriminatory practices in employment; establishes action must be commenced within six years.

Establishes the crimes of unlawful dissemination or publication of intimate images in the first, second, and third degree; defines terms and clarifies application of provisions relating to such crimes; extends the statute of limitations for such crimes; repeals provisions relating thereto.

Extends the statute of limitations of actions related to certain sex trafficking offenses, reviving such actions otherwise barred by the existing statute of limitations; grants trial preference to such actions; exempts such actions from certain provisions requiring notice of claims.

Requires domestic violence and sexual assault awareness education for persons licensed as cosmetologists.

Requires law enforcement officers to conduct a lethality assessment as part of the standardized domestic incident report form when responding to incidents of domestic violence.

Provides that certain communications made without malice regarding an incident of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination shall be deemed privileged; provides that a prevailing defendant in an action brought against such defendant for making a communication that is privileged shall be entitled to attorney's fees and costs for such defense.

Requires sexual and domestic violence awareness posters in cosmetology establishments.

Directs the office of victim services, in consultation with the office for the prevention of domestic violence, to establish a statewide supervised visitation initiative including culturally sensitive services that provide language access for those who need it and that are affordable for those with limited means to pay; requires the submission of regular assessments and reports.

Relates to the tolling of statute of limitations for individuals in state custody; provides that with respect to state action brought by anyone to recover damages for physical, psychological, or other injury or condition suffered while in state custody, the time in which such action must commence shall be extended to three years after such person is released from such custody.

Enacts "Jessica Lunsford act" relating to enhancing the class A-II felony of predatory sexual assault against a child by expanding the acts to which such offense applies; establishes a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life term of imprisonment; requires electronic monitoring of incarcerated individuals upon release from prison.

Creates a "purple alert system" for missing victims of domestic violence.

Establishes the crime of stalking a police officer, peace officer, correction officer or firefighter to include intent to harass, annoy or alarm a police officer, peace officer, correction officer, firefighter or an immediate family member of a police officer, peace officer, correction officer or firefighter, intentionally engaging in a course of conduct directed at such person which is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear physical injury or serious physical injury, the commission of a sex offense against, or the kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment or death of such person or a member of such person's immediate family.

Requires courts to consider whether an individual poses a risk or threat of physical danger to the safety of any person or the community when imposing a securing order; makes stalking in the second and third degree a qualifying offense; makes related provisions.

Establishes Bella's Law which calls for an investigation into possible domestic violence or abuse for persons who have been accused of animal abuse.

Requires the court to consider a child's health and safety when making a decision regarding child custody and visitation; directs the court to review certain information as it relates to allegations of child abuse, domestic violence and child safety; requires the court to appoint an attorney to represent the child when credible allegations of serious risk to the child's safety have been made.

Expands the statute of limitations for certain sex offenses to include sex trafficking and sex trafficking of a child; provides that in an action brought for human trafficking, it is not necessary to require that a criminal charge be brought or a criminal conviction be obtained as a condition of bringing a civil cause of action or receiving a civil judgment.

Establishes uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors applying for public housing.

Redefines the term "following" for a crime of stalking in the fourth degree to include the use of certain devices or computers to gain access to, record, track or report the movement or location of a person or their property without the person's permission or authority to do so.