The bill S. 455 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 16-3-605, which defines "strangulation" and establishes the offenses of strangulation and aggravated strangulation. Strangulation is defined as the restriction of a person's airflow or blood circulation through various means, including external pressure to the throat or neck, blocking the nose or mouth, or applying weight to the torso. The bill outlines the penalties for these offenses, with strangulation carrying a prison sentence of three to ten years, while aggravated strangulation, which includes specific aggravating factors such as prior convictions or the use of a deadly weapon, carries a sentence of ten to twenty years.

Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement inform victims of strangulation offenses about the potential for serious internal injuries and encourage them to seek medical attention. It clarifies that the absence of visible physical injury does not negate the offense, and it provides affirmative defenses for actions taken as part of necessary medical procedures or with the victim's consent. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
03/13/2025: 16-3-605
Latest Version: 16-3-605