HB76 Summary

• Expands the definition of domestic violence victims to include grandparents, step-grandparents, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren in addition to existing categories (spouses, parents, children, household members, dating partners).

• Applies expanded victim protections across all three degrees of domestic violence offenses (first degree Class A felony, second degree Class B felony, third degree Class A misdemeanor).

• Establishes a new crime of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation as a Class B felony, with enhanced penalties if the defendant has prior domestic violence convictions.

• Doubles minimum sentences for all domestic violence degrees when the offense is committed while willfully violating a protection order or in the presence of a child under age 14.

• Amends protection order statutes (Section 30-5-2) to include grandparents, step-grandparents, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren as protected family members who may file for abuse protection orders.

• Effective date: first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.