HB 2559 Missouri House · 2024 Regular Session

Modifies and establishes provisions relating to the use of self-defense

This bill updates the rules for when individuals are legally allowed to use physical force in self-defense. It clarifies that a person can use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from unlawful harm, with specific exceptions for initial aggressors and those committing felonies. The law also establishes a "no duty to retreat" rule in homes, vehicles, and private property, meaning people do not have to flee before using force. Additionally, it creates a legal presumption that a person's belief in the need for defense was reasonable and sets a higher burden of proof for prosecutors to overcome self-defense claims.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 25, 2024 Last action May 17, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 17, 2024
Committee
Referred: General Laws(H)
lower
Jan 25, 2024
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors