AN ACT ADOPTING THE CASTLE DOCTRINE.

HB 5688 amends section 53a-20 of the general statutes to adopt the Castle Doctrine, which allows individuals to use force - including deadly force - to defend their homes without a duty to retreat. This bill directly affects homeowners and residents facing intruders in their dwellings, as well as law enforcement and courts handling self-defense claims. The key provision removes the legal requirement to attempt to flee before using force in one's home. The bill aims to clarify and strengthen existing self-defense protections within residential properties.