AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADOPTION OF THE "CASTLE DOCTRINE".

HB 5596 adopts the "castle doctrine" by creating a legal presumption that a homeowner's belief in needing deadly force to stop an intruder is reasonable. The law applies when a person believes deadly force is necessary to prevent unlawful entry into their dwelling, arson, or a violent crime by a trespasser. This presumption means prosecutors must prove the homeowner's belief was unreasonable if a case goes to trial. The bill directly affects homeowners confronting intruders in their residences.