AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING

SB 561 presumes property owners or occupants acted in reasonable self-defense if a person committing a violent crime (such as assault or burglary) is injured or killed while on their premises, provided the criminal was lawfully present. It creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent serious harm, and removes the requirement to retreat from such threats. This applies to violent offenses enumerated in the bill, directly affecting property owners defending against violent intruders. The bill does not change criminal liability but shifts the initial legal presumption in favor of the property owner during prosecution.