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Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-02-13

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases the penalties for assault by strangulation in North Carolina. It raises the felony class for assault causing physical injury by strangulation from Class H to Class G, and raises the felony class for serious bodily injury assault from Class F to Class E, making these offenses punishable with longer prison sentences.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that strangulation is a particularly dangerous and violent form of assault that often indicates intent to cause serious harm or death, and that harsher penalties are justified to deter this behavior and protect victims.
• •They contend that increasing penalties reflects the severity of strangulation offenses and sends a message that such violence will not be tolerated in North Carolina.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that mandatory penalty increases limit judicial discretion in sentencing and could result in disproportionately harsh punishments for some cases.
• •They might also raise concerns about whether increased penalties effectively deter violent crime or whether resources would be better spent on prevention, victim support, or addressing root causes of violence.