The bill HB2427 aims to enhance the legal consequences for domestic violence offenses against pregnant victims. It classifies assault against a pregnant victim as aggravated assault, punishable as a class 3 felony, if the perpetrator knows or has reason to know that the victim is pregnant and the circumstances classify the offense as domestic violence. Additionally, the bill increases the potential maximum sentence enhancement for felony domestic violence offenses against pregnant victims from two years to five years if the perpetrator was aware of the victim's pregnancy.

Under current law, while there are provisions for increased sentencing for domestic violence against pregnant victims, the bill specifically adds the classification of assault against a pregnant victim as aggravated assault and raises the maximum sentence enhancement. This change aims to provide stronger protections for pregnant victims of domestic violence by ensuring that the legal system recognizes the severity of such offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-1204, 13-3601, 13-1203, 13-3602, 13-3624, 36-550, 39-123, 13-705
House Engrossed Version: 13-1204, 13-3601, 13-1203, 13-3602, 13-3624, 36-550, 39-123, 13-705