Bill > H109

This bill modifies North Carolina's assault laws by increasing the severity of punishments for strangulation-related offenses and providing clearer legal definitions. Specifically, the bill changes the classification of assault with serious bodily injury from a Class F to a Class E felony, and assault by strangulation from a Class H to a Class G felony. The bill also adds a new provision creating a Class H felony for assaults involving strangulation. The legislation introduces precise definitions for key terms: "serious bodily injury" is defined as bodily harm that creates a substantial risk of death, causes permanent disfigurement, results in prolonged hospitalization, or creates extreme pain or permanent impairment of bodily functions. "Strangulation" is defined as impeding normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat, neck, or by obstructing the nose and mouth. The bill will become effective on June 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, effectively increasing legal protections and penalties for physical assault involving strangulation.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H109