Bill > SF96

This bill modifies Iowa law regarding the justifiable use of reasonable force, which is defined as the amount of force a reasonable person would deem necessary to prevent injury or loss, and can include deadly force if it's reasonable to believe it's needed to avoid death or serious injury, resist a similar threat, or prevent a forcible felony. The bill removes the duty to retreat from one's dwelling, place of business, or employment, allowing individuals to stand their ground and use necessary force, including deadly force, if they believe it's required to protect themselves or others from death or serious injury, or to prevent a forcible felony. Furthermore, it introduces immunity from criminal prosecution or civil action for those using reasonable force, unless the person against whom force was used is a peace officer acting within their duties and properly identified, or if the user knew or should have known they were a peace officer; law enforcement agencies are restricted from arresting someone for using force unless there's probable cause it was unlawful, and individuals found to have been justified in using reasonable force after an arrest will be awarded attorney fees, court costs, lost income, and other expenses.