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Committee approves narrow exception allowing choke holds during regulated sports training
Summary
Substitute to SB299 creates a narrow exception so choke holds used in training or competition within regulated combat sports do not automatically trigger assault charges; the committee passed the bill unanimously.
Senator Brammer presented SB299, a narrowly targeted amendment to remove criminal exposure for choke holds when they are used as part of training or participation in an organized sport, and when both participants are engaged in that sport or training.
"This creates a very narrow exception to the use of choke holds, where it must be done as part of a training for or participation in a sport where choke holds are an acceptable practice," Brammer said. He described the bill as decriminalizing behavior that occurs in athletic settings to avoid unintended prosecution of athletes and trainers.
No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. Representative Lee moved to pass SB299 with a favorable recommendation; the committee passed the bill by voice vote and the transcript records unanimous passage.
The bill is narrowly framed and applies only in contexts explicitly authorized by sport or training rules; it does not change use-of-force standards outside that limited setting.
