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The Florida Senate

CS/HB 1375 — Battery by Strangulation

by Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Rep. Baker and others (CS/SB 1334 by Criminal Justice Committee and Senator Martin)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)

The bill creates s. 784.031, F.S., providing that battery by strangulation is a third degree felony. A person commits battery by strangulation if he or she knowingly and intentionally, against the will of another person, impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of that person, so as to create a risk of or cause great bodily harm by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the other person or by blocking the nose or mouth of the other person.

The bill provides an exception for any act of medical diagnosis, treatment, or prescription which is authorized under the laws of this state.

The offense is ranked as a level 4 offense on the offense severity ranking chart of the Criminal Punishment Code.

If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect October 1, 2023.

Vote: Senate 39-0; House 111-0