South Dakota classifies throat-restriction assault as aggravated assault

Original title: revise a provision related to aggravated assault.

Last action · March 9, 2026: Signed by the GovernorSponsors: Helene Duhamel and 10 others

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Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Does

South Dakota law now defines attempting to induce fear of death or imminent serious bodily harm by impeding normal breathing or circulation through pressure on the throat or neck, or blocking the nose and mouth, as .

Why it matters

The measure establishes a specific felony classification for non-fatal strangulation and suffocation acts, making them prosecutable as Class 3 felonies.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Individuals in South Dakota

Individuals are subject to potential Class 3 felony prosecution for acts involving impeding normal breathing or circulation.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What new action is now classified as aggravated assault in South Dakota?

Attempting to induce fear of death or imminent serious bodily harm by impeding normal breathing or circulation—such as by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose and mouth—is now classified as .

What is the criminal penalty for violating this aggravated assault provision?

A violation of this section is classified as a .

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

14 actions

Mar 9, 2026HouseEnrolled
Signed by the Governor
Mar 2, 2026HouseEnrolled
Delivered to the Governor
Feb 26, 2026Senate
Signed by the President
Feb 25, 2026House
Signed by the Speaker
Feb 24, 2026HouseCommittee
Concurred in amendments
Feb 20, 2026SenateCommittee
Do Pass Amended

Show 8 earlier actions

Feb 20, 2026Senate
Motion to amend
Feb 19, 2026SenateCommittee
Do Pass
Feb 19, 2026Senate
Scheduled for hearing
Jan 27, 2026SenateIntroduced
First read in Senate and referred to
Jan 26, 2026HouseFloor
Do Pass
Jan 23, 2026HouseCommittee
Do Pass
Jan 23, 2026House
Scheduled for hearing
Jan 14, 2026HouseIntroduced
First read in House and referred to

Version history

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