Bill > HB1985

This bill modifies Missouri's self-defense laws to expand protections for individuals using force to defend themselves or others. The bill maintains existing provisions allowing people to use physical force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend against unlawful force, with some key changes. Specifically, the bill adds "place of employment" to locations where individuals can use force without a duty to retreat and where deadly force can be used if someone unlawfully enters. The bill also allows individuals to use deadly force to protect themselves against death, serious physical injury, or forcible felonies, and expands the list of locations where this applies to include retail establishments and other places of business where the person has a right to be. The legislation clarifies that if a defendant claims self-defense under these provisions, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not reasonably believe force was necessary. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions that prevent individuals who were the initial aggressors from using force, unless they have withdrawn from the encounter or meet specific exceptions. The burden of proving self-defense remains on the defendant, with a shift in the burden of proof for certain circumstances involving unlawful entry.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1985&year=2026&code=R