Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to partner or family member assault by defining the term "victim" and clarifying the legal protections available to them. The bill specifies that a "victim" is a partner or family member against whom an assault is committed, and it introduces new provisions stating that a victim may use self-defense and cannot be charged with partner or family member assault. Additionally, the bill stipulates that only one party involved in an incident of partner or family member assault may be charged, thereby reducing the potential for dual charges in such cases.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the penalties for partner or family member assault and strangulation of a partner or family member. It establishes fines and imprisonment terms for offenders, mandates counseling assessments, and requires offenders to pay for the victim's reasonable costs related to the assault. Notably, the bill includes provisions that ensure victims are not charged with strangulation offenses, reinforcing their legal protections. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the support and rights of victims while holding offenders accountable for their actions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-206, 45-5-215
SB0383_1(1): 45-5-206, 45-5-215
SB0383_1(2): 45-5-206, 45-5-215
SB0383_1(3): 45-5-206, 45-5-215
SB0383_1: 45-5-206, 45-5-215