On 1 September 2009, a new change in a family violence law in Texas went into effect, raising strangulation from a misdemeanor to a felony. Through the law, those convicted of strangling or choking another person will face from two to twenty years in prison. This measure is intended to protect victims of domestic abuse, as well as other forms of violence, who—under the previous family violence law—were not able to seek longer-term legal recourse for abusers who used strangulation as a method of violence.
Dallas police Sergeant Richard Santiesteban stated, “Hopefully, [the new measure is] a deterrent to stop the cycle of this type of violence.” (Dallas-Fort Worth News)
Texas joins ten other states, including Minnesota, in implementing specific laws regarding strangulation.
Compiled from: Dallas-Fort Worth News, “New Law Increases Penalty for Domestic Violence.” (10 September 2009); Texas Council on Family Violence, “Family Violence Laws Makes Strangling a Felony.” (4 September 2009); Texas Legislature, "H.B. No. 2066." (1 September 2009); Minnesota State Legislature, "609.2247 Domestic Assault by Strangulation" (2009).