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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies the Utah Criminal Code regarding offenses against the person.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ creates the offense of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation as a
13 class A misdemeanor; and
14 ▸ creates the offense of strangulation as a third degree felony.
15 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
16 None
17 Other Special Clauses:
18 None
19 Utah Code Sections Affected:
20 ENACTS:
21 76-5-114, Utah Code Annotated 1953
22 76-5-115, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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24 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 Section 1. Section 76-5-114 is enacted to read:
26 76-5-114. Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation -- Penalty.
27 (1) A person is guilty of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation when,
28 with intent to impede the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person and
29 with unlawful force or violence, the person:
30 (a) applies pressure to the neck or throat of another person; or
31 (b) blocks the nose, mouth or airway of another person.
32 (2) Criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation is a class A misdemeanor.
33 Section 2. Section 76-5-115 is enacted to read:
34 76-5-115. Strangulation -- Penalty.
35 (1) As used in this section, "stupor" means a chiefly mental condition marked by the
36 absence of spontaneous movement, greatly diminished responsiveness to stimulation, and
37 impaired consciousness.
38 (2) A person is guilty of strangulation when the person commits the crime of criminal
39 obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, as defined in Subsection 76-5-114(1), and causes:
40 (a) stupor; or
41 (b) loss of consciousness for any period of time.
42 (3) Strangulation is a third degree felony.