A resolution raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2026 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".

Bill Number: S.Res. 586
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2026-02-09: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S537; text: CR 1/27/2026 S293-294)
Last Updated: 2026-06-17T15:19:38Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate resolution aims to raise public awareness about stalking, highlight its prevalence and impacts, and encourage prevention efforts by officially designating January 2026 as "National Stalking Awareness Month." It emphasizes education, support for victims, and improved responses from various sectors.

Key Provisions

Background Facts on Stalking: The resolution outlines statistics and realities, such as:
About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience stalking in their lifetime, often leading to fear for safety.
Over 13.4 million people report stalking annually, mostly by intimate partners or acquaintances.
Stalking increases risks of physical harm and intimate partner homicide (e.g., 3 in 4 female victims of such homicides were stalked beforehand).
Victims often endure long-term stalking (11% for 5+ years), frequent pursuit (2 in 3 stalkers act weekly), and severe mental health effects like anxiety and depression.
Many victims do not report incidents; stalking is illegal under federal, state, and military laws.
It affects all demographics, with high rates among young adults (18-24), college students (especially those with disabilities), and via technology (e.g., texts, social media; 80% of cases).
Actions by the Senate:
Designates January 2026 as "National Stalking Awareness Month" (noting it's the 22nd anniversary of the first such observance).
Applauds efforts by service providers, police, prosecutors, organizations, colleges, and private entities in combating stalking and supporting victims.
Encourages policymakers, criminal justice officials, victim services, higher education, and nonprofits to boost awareness and expand victim services.
Urges national organizations, businesses, and media to promote stalking awareness during the month.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to current laws. It does not create new statutes, penalties, or obligations but builds on existing anti-stalking laws (federal and state) by promoting awareness and voluntary action.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Increases public education about stalking risks, symptoms, and resources, potentially empowering victims to seek help sooner and reducing underreporting. It may foster safer communities, especially for young adults, college students, and those facing technology-based stalking.
On Government Agencies: Encourages (but does not require) enhanced investigations, prosecutions, and victim services by police, prosecutors, and courts, possibly leading to better resource allocation without mandating budget changes.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. issues.
Overall, it promotes cultural shifts toward recognizing stalking as a serious crime, potentially decreasing victimization through prevention and support.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Victims and Survivors: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and access to tailored services.
Service Providers: Nonprofits, hotlines, shelters, and victim advocacy groups, who are praised and encouraged to expand programs.
Criminal Justice System: Police departments, prosecutors' offices, and courts, urged to improve responses like aggressive investigations.
Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities, especially for addressing campus stalking among students (including those with disabilities).
Private Sector and Media: Businesses and media outlets, called upon to promote awareness campaigns.
Policymakers and Organizations: Federal, state, and community leaders, including military justice entities, to coordinate anti-stalking efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces stalking's status as a crime without altering laws; it highlights needs for better enforcement and services, potentially influencing future legislation (e.g., on online stalking).
Constitutional: No issues, as it involves free speech and awareness promotion, aligning with First Amendment protections for public education on social issues.
Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Sens. Klobuchar and Grassley), it signals congressional consensus on victim rights and public safety. As a symbolic measure, it could build momentum for funding or policy reforms in violence prevention, without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

Recent Actions

2026-02-09: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S537; text: CR 1/27/2026 S293-294)
2026-02-09: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
2026-02-09: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
2026-02-09: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
2026-01-27: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
2026-01-27: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2026 as National Stalking Awareness Month. — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (5 pages)
Raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2026 as National Stalking Awareness Month. — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (4 pages)