BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana would extend the protections of its domestic abuse laws to dating partners, under a bill nearing final passage.

The proposal by Rep. Helena Moreno, a New Orleans Democrat, would create the crimes of battery of a dating partner and aggravated assault upon a dating partner, with varying penalties.

The bill is partly a response to domestic violence incidents involving a state senator who resigned this year rather than face likely removal. Troy Brown pleaded no contest twice to misdemeanor charges involving abuse against his wife and his girlfriend. His sentencing could have been tougher if the proposed law had been in place.

A Senate judiciary committee advanced the bill Tuesday without objection, sending it to the full Senate. The measure has received House backing.

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House Bill 223: www.legis.la.gov