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Panel votes to add “chest” to aggravated-assault statutes to cover chest-strangulation claims
Summary
A bill adding the word “chest” to aggravated-assault statutes passed committee after sponsors said the change closes a gap where chest pressure can impede breathing. Senators questioned intent standards and possible misuse but supporters said mental-state thresholds protect against accidental prosecution.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation to add the word "chest" to Arkansas’ aggravated-assault statutes and to the aggravated-assault-on-a-family-member provisions, a change sponsors said closes a gap in current law when pressure on the chest, not just the neck, impedes respiration.
Sponsor (listed in the hearing as speaker 18) said the amendment…
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