Bill > HB3585

This bill modifies Oregon's existing law on strangulation by increasing the severity of penalties and expanding circumstances that constitute a felony offense. Currently, strangulation is a Class A misdemeanor, but the bill upgrades it to a Class B felony under specific conditions, such as when the crime is committed in the presence of a minor child, involves a victim under 10 years old, involves a family or household member, includes the use or threat of a weapon, involves a repeat offender, or occurs when the perpetrator knows the victim is pregnant. The bill also directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to reclassify strangulation from crime category 5 to crime category 8 on the sentencing guidelines grid, which typically indicates a more serious offense with potentially longer prison sentences. The maximum penalty for a felony strangulation conviction would be up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. The bill will take effect on the 91st day after the 2025 regular legislative session adjourns sine die (a legal term meaning "without a future date being designated for resumption").

Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3585