MS SB2215

Clarifies elements of simple domestic violence to include attempts to cause bodily injury, negligent bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily harm against specified family members, intimate partners, or persons with shared biological or legally adopted children.

Establishes that a third or subsequent simple domestic violence conviction within seven years (disregarding convictions older than seven years) is a felony punishable by 5 to 10 years imprisonment.

Clarifies elements of aggravated domestic violence to include attempted serious bodily injury, bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or strangulation against the same categories of persons as simple domestic violence, with punishment of 2 to 20 years imprisonment, or 10 to 20 years for third or subsequent convictions.

Adds strangulation as a specific offense element, defined as restricting oxygen or blood flow by applying pressure to the neck, throat, or chest, or intentionally blocking the nose or mouth.

Removes the statute of limitations for aggravated domestic violence and human trafficking offenses, making them prosecutable at any time, effective July 1, 2013.