JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMOX) - A Missouri lawmaker says a new bill about the state’s stand your ground law will prevent residents from having "their lives ruined like what has happened to Kyle Rittenhouse."
Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefied) announced he pre-filed legislation to "strengthen" the law this week. Under the current law, burden falls on the defendant to prove he or she reasonably believed physical or deadly force was necessary to protect themselves or a third person.
Burlison wants the law to include a "presumption of reasonableness that the defendant believed physical or deadly force was necessary to protect themselves or another individual."
“Sadly, we have recently watched the justice system be used as a weapon against law-abiding citizens for simply defending themselves," he stated in a press release. "This legislation provides a person who uses or threatens to use physical or deadly force in self-defense immunity from criminal prosecution or civil action for the use of such force, unless that force was used against a law enforcement officer in the course of their official duties."
Part of the bill would also allow a person to claim self-defense during a pre-trial hearing in either a criminal or civil case.
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