1. (1)

   1. (a) As used in this section, "chokehold" means a restraining hold in which one individual encircles the neck of another individual in a viselike grip using an arm.
   2. (b) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.

2. (2) An actor commits assault if the actor:

   1. (a) attempts, with unlawful force or violence, to inflict bodily injury on an individual; or

   2. (b) commits an act, with unlawful force or violence, that:

      1. (i) causes bodily injury to an individual; or
      2. (ii) creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to an individual.

3. (3)

   1. (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.

   2. (b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if:

      1. (i) the actor causes substantial bodily injury to an individual; or
      2. (ii) the individual is pregnant and the actor has knowledge of the pregnancy.
4. (4) The fact that the actor caused serious bodily injury to an individual is not a defense to a violation of this section.

5. (5) This section does not apply to an actor's use of a chokehold on another individual if:

   1. (a) the chokehold is done as part of training for, or participating in, a practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice, including martial arts, wrestling, or mixed martial arts; and
   2. (b) the other individual is also training for, or participating in, the same practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice.

Amended by Chapter 251, 2026 General Session