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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1734 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1145
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Robyn K. Kennedy
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to the definition of strangulation.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Robyn K. KennedyFirst Worcester 1 of 1
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1734 FILED ON: 1/16/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 1145
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1145) of Robyn K. Kennedy for
legislation to define strangulation. The Judiciary.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act relative to the definition of strangulation.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Section 15D of Chapter 265, as so appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby
2amended by striking out the words in lines 7 through 9 and inserting in place thereof the
3following words:-
4 “Strangulation”, means intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal
5breathing or circulation of the blood of a person by applying pressure to the throat or neck,
6regardless of whether that conduct results in any visible injury or whether there is any intent to
7kill or protractedly injure the victim.