Florida Senate - 2021 SB By Senator Bracy 11-00799-21 2021730__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled

An act relating to strangulation by a law enforcement officer; creating s. 784.042, F.S.; providing criminal penalties for law enforcement officers who while on duty commit the offense of strangulation by a law enforcement officer; providing an effective date. 6

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 8

Section

Section 784.042, Florida Statutes, is created to read: 11 784.042 Strangulation by law enforcement officer; 12 penalties.— 13

(1) A law enforcement officer commits the offense of strangulation by a law enforcement officer if while on duty the officer knowingly and intentionally impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of an individual so as to create a risk of or cause great bodily harm or death by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the individual or by blocking the nose or mouth of the individual, including the use of a chokehold or similar restraint. 21

(2) A law enforcement officer who violates subsection (1) 22 commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. 24

Section 2. This act shall take effect October 1, 2021. 25