Self defense and defense of others; person occupying dwelling may justify when unlawful entry. (HB710)
Introduced By
Del. Bill Janis (R-Glen Allen) with support from co-patron Del. Mark Cole (R-Fredericksburg)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
✓ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Self defense and defense of others. Provides that any person who lawfully occupies a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when the other person has unlawfully entered the dwelling, has committed an overt act toward the occupant or another person in the dwelling, and the occupant reasonably believes he or another person in the dwelling is in imminent danger of bodily harm. The bill also provides that a person who uses justifiable force against an intruder shall be immune from civil liability for injuries or death of the other person. Read the Bill »
Status
02/18/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/08/2008 | Committee |
| 01/08/2008 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/08 085925568 |
| 01/08/2008 | Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice |
| 01/16/2008 | Assigned Courts sub: Criminal |
| 02/04/2008 | Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment (18-Y 4-N) (see vote tally) |
| 02/06/2008 | Read first time |
| 02/07/2008 | Read second time |
| 02/07/2008 | Committee amendment agreed to |
| 02/07/2008 | Engrossed by House as amended HB710E |
| 02/07/2008 | Printed as engrossed 085925568-E |
| 02/08/2008 | Read third time and passed House (80-Y 19-N) |
| 02/08/2008 | VOTE: --- PASSAGE (80-Y 19-N) (see vote tally) |
| 02/08/2008 | Communicated to Senate |
| 02/11/2008 | Constitutional reading dispensed |
| 02/11/2008 | Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice |
| 02/12/2008 | Assigned Courts sub: Criminal |
| 02/18/2008 | Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (11-Y 4-N) |
Comments
This bill is scary in this form.
This is reminiscent of a bill that was introduced (did it pass?) in Florida.
I foresee more cops getting killed in no-knock searches.
Will be heard on 1/30 in H C/J crim sub
Good bill. Using justifiable lethal force within one's home shouldn't mean you lose that home to a lawsuit. This bill isn't an open door to shooting people, just protects those that choose to not be victimized in thier own home.
Great bill. Citizens exercising their Constitutional rights should not be raped by trial lawyers. If you invade a home you have effectively forfeited your life VOLUNTARILY and the United States Constitution guarantees our right to defend ourselves. Police are not there to protect us, there is no police car outside my house at night in case someone tries to do me harm. They come and take a report and try to catch the perp. "Sorry about your dead family sir, but we got here as soon as we could." Instead YOU take responsibility for your family's safety and end the intruder’s plans by whatever means necessary!