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HR 4659

Recognizing the plight of victims of stalking.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 2 co-sponsors

A ceremonial House resolution recognizing stalking harms, affirming victims' right to live free from stalking and urging awareness, support, and prevention.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 4659

Summary — H. Res. 4659: "Recognizing the plight of victims of stalking"

Author: Rep. Mike Flood (primary)
Cosponsors listed: Michael Lawler, Brittany Pettersen, Emanuel Cleaver
Classification: House resolution (ceremonial/expressive)
Status: Adopted (record shows adoption on Jan 19, 2024; additional entries in 2025 available — see notes)

Purpose / Intent

H. Res. 4659 is a non‑binding, symbolic resolution that recognizes the harms experienced by victims of stalking, reaffirms victims’ rights to live free from stalking and harassment, and calls attention to awareness efforts (including the National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness on January 18 and National Stalking Awareness Month in January).

Key provisions / content

The resolution:
- Recognizes stalking as a distinct, traumatic form of victimization that often intersects with sexual and physical violence and can escalate to homicide.
- Cites statistics from federal and national sources:
- One in three women and one in six men have been stalked in their lives (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey).
- 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked first; 85% of women who survived murder attempts were stalked (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
- 54% of femicide victims reported stalking before being killed; 1 in 7 stalking victims has been forced to move.
- Notes socio‑emotional impacts (trauma, PTSD) and public health framing (CDC).
- Reaffirms the inherent right to live without fear of stalking and expresses support for victims — honoring those who spoke out and remembering those who did not survive.

Who is affected

  • Directly: individuals who have experienced stalking (victims and survivors).
  • Indirectly: families, friends, service providers, victim‑advocacy organizations, and policymakers whose work addresses stalking, public safety, and victim services.

Legal effect and impact

  • The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new legal rights, penalties, or funding. Its primary effects are awareness raising, public recognition of stalking’s harms, and encouragement for policymakers, communities, and service providers to prioritize prevention and victim support.
  • May influence public discourse and future legislative or budgetary initiatives addressing stalking, victim services, or public health interventions.

Procedural/timeline notes and record inconsistencies

  • The legislative history in the provided materials lists multiple introductions and adoption dates (introduced/adopted Jan 19, 2024; entries in April and July 2025, including a referral to the House Committee on Financial Services). The text package also appears to include an unrelated resolution regarding Washington state–Canada relations under the same bill number.
  • Recommendation: consult the official Congressional Record or the Clerk of the House for the definitive text, sponsor list, and final status to resolve duplicated entries and confirm which version(s) were officially adopted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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