S 1145 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to the definition of strangulation

S 1145, introduced by Senator Robyn Kennedy, proposes a legal definition for the term "strangulation" in Massachusetts law. This bill would directly affect criminal cases involving assault or domestic violence by establishing a clear standard for what constitutes strangulation in court proceedings. The legislation aims to standardize legal interpretation without changing existing penalties or sentencing guidelines. It is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Oct 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Oct 9, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Oct 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Robyn Kennedy
Robyn Kennedy
DDemocratic
MA
First Worcester