Bill > SB122

This bill modifies Missouri's self-defense laws by expanding the circumstances under which a person can use physical and deadly force for protection. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to use force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or another person from unlawful force, with some important exceptions. The legislation introduces new provisions that permit the use of force in additional contexts, such as protecting oneself in a place of employment or a retail establishment, in addition to existing protections for dwellings and vehicles. The bill also clarifies that a person does not have a duty to retreat from a place where they have a legal right to be, which means they can stand their ground and use force if they feel threatened. When it comes to deadly force, the bill allows its use if a person reasonably believes it is necessary to protect against death, serious physical injury, or a forcible felony, or if an intruder unlawfully enters a dwelling, residence, place of employment, or vehicle. Importantly, the bill shifts the burden of proof in certain self-defense scenarios, requiring the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not reasonably believe force was necessary for protection.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=230