House approves Corbin bill on strangulation

HARRISBURG >> The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday passed Rep. Becky Corbin’s, R-155, legislation to allow prior strangulation convictions to be taken into account in criminal justice proceedings and child custody hearings.

The measure builds upon Act 111 of 2016, which Corbin authored. This law made the crime of strangulation a felony offense. Prior to the addition, strangulation did not fit into existing criminal categories, so offenders were often charged with a low-level misdemeanor that did not reflect the gravity of the crime.

“Strangulation is a very serious crime and occurs often in domestic violence situations,” Corbin said. “With October designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is only appropriate that this bill should advance at this time. Prior strangulation convictions should be taken into account when charging and sentencing defendants or determining child custody. This legislation would enable those who commit these crimes to be held accountable.”

House Bill 2437 would add strangulation to the list of applicable crimes of violence in the Crimes Code, Domestic Relations Code and Judiciary Code.

The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

Corbin is running for reelection against Democrat Danielle Friel Otten.

The 155th District consists of the following municipalities: West Brandywine, East Brandywine, Uwchlan, Upper Uwchlan, West Vincent, East Pikeland, Spring City, and part of Phoenixville.