Governor Steve Bullock came to Billings Saturday and signed four bills into law… and one of those bills could help prevent domestic violence fatalities.  Billings Democratic State Sen. Margie MacDonald is the main sponsor of Senate Bill 153, which makes strangulation of a family or partner member a felony.  KTVQ.com reports the Governor signed the legislation at a ceremony for the Indian Regalia bill at Senior High School.

SB 153 allows prosecutors to charge a crime in strangulation cases, which attorneys say will prevent more domestic abuse and potentially even homicide.  Billings City Attorney Brent Brooks said making the crime a felony will help prosecutors, the victim and the abuser– as it will have a deterrent effect, providing additional supervision that you would not have for a misdemeanor.  MacDonald worked with the Billings city attorney’s office in writing the bill.

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