Area Lawmakers Co-Author Stand Your Ground Bill

(KNSI) – Two area lawmakers have signed on to a Self-Defense Law Reform bill. Otherwise known as Stand Your Ground, the bill would clarify the law surrounding the use of deadly force against an intruder and eliminate the duty to retreat clause for self-defense.

Senator Andrew Matthews, who sits on the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, co-authored the Senate’s bill. Representative Lisa Demuth co-authored a companion bill introduced in the House.

The bill would expand the boundary to allow the use of deadly force in your home or vehicle if someone entered “by stealth or force.” It also applies to an “overnight stopping accommodation,” deck, tent, or structure. The vehicle provision allows for a personal vehicle, boat, motorhome, camper, or the equivalent. It allows a person to use “all force and means, including deadly force” if someone believes in good faith, they are in imminent danger and need to defend themselves successfully. It also does not require someone to try and escape first and continue to use force until the threat is over. It would also grant the person who uses deadly force immunity from prosecution.

If passed, the law would go into effect on August 1st and would only apply to the use of deadly force after that date.