HB175 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Johnny Mack Morrow

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Strangulation or suffocation and aggravated strangulation or suffocation, crimes provided for, penalties

Summary

HB175 would create the crimes of strangulation or suffocation and aggravated strangulation or suffocation in Alabama, with defined terms and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It creates two new crimes: strangulation or suffocation (Class C felony) and aggravated strangulation or suffocation (Class B felony). Strangulation or suffocation would apply when someone commits a third-degree assault or menacing with the intent to cause physical harm by strangulation or suffocation. The aggravated version applies if the offender also violates a court order or injunction during the act. The bill notes a future effective date and that it is exempt from local-fund spending rules because it creates a new crime.

Who It Affects

• People who commit third-degree assault or menacing and use strangulation or suffocation would be charged with the new crimes (Class C or Class B if aggravated).
• Potential victims and the general public, who would gain clearer protections and penalties designed to deter strangulation or suffocation.

Key Provisions

• Defines strangulation as intentionally impeding breathing or blood flow by closing or compressing neck vessels or air passages through external pressure on the neck.
• Defines suffocation as intentionally impeding breathing or blood flow by depriving air or blocking the airway by means other than strangulation.
• Creates the crime of strangulation or suffocation (Class C felony) when an assault in the third degree or menacing is committed with intent to cause physical harm by strangulation or suffocation.
• Creates aggravated strangulation or suffocation (Class B felony) when the same act also violates a court order or injunction.
• The bill declares that despite local-fund expenditure concerns, it is exempt from those rules because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one, and it provides for a specific effective date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses