An Act relative to civil liability for protecting one’s home
This bill adds a new provision to Massachusetts law regarding self-defense in the home. It states that if a homeowner uses force against an intruder and is later found not guilty in criminal court, they cannot be sued in civil court for any injury or death caused to the intruder during that incident. The key mechanism creates a direct link between a criminal acquittal and immunity from civil liability for the same act. This specifically affects homeowners who successfully use self-defense in criminal proceedings, preventing subsequent civil lawsuits related to the defense of their dwelling.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025
Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate concurred
Feb 27, 2025
House · Referred to committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dave Muradian
RRepublican
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