Bill > HB486

This bill modifies and establishes provisions relating to the use of self-defense. The key changes include: 1. Establishing a presumption of reasonableness for the use of force in self-defense, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution to show the use of force was not reasonable. 2. Providing immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for the use or threatened use of force in self-defense, unless the force was used against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their duties or occurred in a public place. 3. Requiring law enforcement agencies to investigate the use of force, but prohibiting arrest unless there is probable cause the force used was unlawful. 4. Placing the burden of proof on the party seeking to overcome the self-defense immunity at a pretrial hearing. 5. Removing the previous requirement that the defendant had the burden of raising the issue of justification for the use of force.

https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB486&year=2023&code=R