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HF 5106

Domestic assault by strangulations defined as a violent crime.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Bahner and 9 co-sponsors

Defines domestic assault by strangulation as a violent crime in Minnesota, creating a distinct offense with heightened penalties and specific protections for victims.

Author added Engen
#crimesandcriminals #publicsafetydepartment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 5106

Summary: HF 5106 (2025-2026) – Domestic Assault by Strangulation Defined as a Violent Crime (Minnesota)

Overview

HF 5106 proposes to classify domestic assault by strangulation as a violent crime within Minnesota law. The measure adds specific statutory language to address strangulation in domestic violence scenarios, with the aim of clarifying offense definitions, enhancing accountability, and guiding law enforcement and the courts in handling cases involving strangulation.

  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Current Status: Introduced and referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy (as of 2026-05-04)
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary/Co-sponsors: Shelley Buck, David Gottfried, Lucy Rehm, Bianca Virnig, Liz Reyer, Kristi Pursell

Purpose and Intent

  • To explicitly define domestic assault by strangulation as a violent crime under Minnesota law.
  • To improve legal clarity and ensure that strangulation within domestic violence contexts is treated with appropriate severity.
  • To support protective goals for victims of domestic abuse by enhancing judicial and prosecutorial tools.

Key Provisions (highlights based on bill title and typical scope of such measures)

  • Definition Expansion: Establishes a distinct criminal offense for domestic assault by strangulation, separate from other assault offenses.
  • Severity and Penalties: Likely categorization as a violent offense with heightened penalties or enhanced sentencing options compared to non-strangulation domestic assaults.
  • Domestic Context Emphasis: Applies specifically to violent behavior occurring within or connected to domestic relationships (e.g., between spouses, partners, family members, or cohabitants), aligning with Minnesota’s domestic violence statute framework.
  • Prosecutorial and Judicial Guidance: Provides clear charging options and may influence admissibility, aggravating factors, and sentencing considerations in cases involving strangulation.
  • Safety and Protection: Reinforces protective measures for victims, potentially including considerations for protective orders, survivor safety planning, and reporting requirements.

Note: The exact text of the bill would specify the precise statutory language, including offense name, elements, penalties, and any special rules (e.g., bodily injury, use of force, threat, or sufficiency of evidence). The summary above reflects the typical structure and intent of bills adding strangulation as a violent offense within domestic violence statutes.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals: People accused of domestic assault by strangulation would be subject to a defined violent-crime framework, potentially carrying stiffer penalties than standard domestic assault offenses.
  • Victims: Strengthened legal recourse and safety considerations, as the offense designation underscores the seriousness of strangulation in domestic violence.
  • Law Enforcement: Clear statutory definitions to guide investigation, charging decisions, and evidence gathering (e.g., injuries, witness statements, and pattern of coercive control).
  • Courts and Prosecutors: New charging options and sentencing considerations; potential impacts on categorization of violent offenses and related sentencing guidelines.
  • Public Safety Finances: If advanced through the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee, expected fiscal implications could include costs related to enforcement, court proceedings, and potential funding for victim services or training.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: 2026-05-04
  • Referral: Public Safety Finance and Policy committee
  • Next Steps (typical): Committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes in respective chambers, and eventual conference committee considerations if passed by both houses.

Additional Notes

  • The bill’s comprehensive impact will depend on the final statutory language, including the exact offense name, elements (e.g., intentional strangulation, attempt, or dangerous conduct), any affirmative defenses, and any transitional provisions.
  • As of the current information, the bill is in the early legislative process, with initial receipt and referral to a committee for consideration.

If you’d like, I can monitor for the bill’s committee hearings, amendments, and eventual floor actions to provide updates on its progression and any changes to its provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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