CA SB870

Creates a separate felony offense for inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition through strangulation or suffocation in domestic violence cases, with identical penalties to the general offense (2-4 years in state prison, up to 1 year in county jail, or up to $6,000 fine).

Defines "strangulation" and "suffocation" as impeding normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck.

Removes strangulation and suffocation from the definition of "traumatic condition" in subdivision (d), consolidating these offenses into the new separate paragraph in subdivision (a).

Declares that no state reimbursement to local agencies is required because the bill creates a new crime within the meaning of Government Code Section 17556 and Article XIII B of the California Constitution.