Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the use of deadly force in certain circumstances.

Highlights:

• Specifies that an individual is not required to retreat from any place the individual is authorized to be before using deadly force (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an individual to be wrong in an estimation of danger or the force required to protect the individual as long as there is evidence that the individual acted “reasonably” in his or her belief (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that displaying a deadly weapon is not considered to be a use of deadly force (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes an individual to use deadly force if the individual "reasonably" believes that the force is necessary to avoid injury, and if the person upon whom force is used is unlawfully performing any of the following (Sec. 3):
• Entering the dwelling, place of employment, or occupied vehicle of another individual; or
• Attempting to remove an individual from his or her dwelling, place of employment, or vehicle against the individual's will.

• Prohibits the use of deadly force in the following circumstances (Sec. 3):
• The person using deadly force is:
• Committing a crime; or 
• Attempting to remove a child; or
• The person upon whom deadly force is being used is:
• A police officer carrying out his or her official duties; or
• An individual authorized to be in the dwelling, place of employment, or occupied vehicle.

• Authorizes criminal and civil immunity for individuals that use deadly force (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes a person to use “reasonable” force, including deadly force, if the individual "reasonably” believes another person is about to commit a violent felony (Sec. 6).

• Defines a violent felony as any of the following activities (Sec. 6):
• Sexual abuse;
• Murder;
• Assault;
• Kidnapping;
• Arson; and
• Burglary.

Full Bill Text