HB1240 Summary

• Adds new section 16-120-106 to Arkansas Code establishing civil immunity for persons who use deadly physical force against an initial aggressor in compliance with § 5-2-607

• Grants immunity from civil lawsuits for lawful use of deadly force in self-defense or defense of another person

• Requires courts to award reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and trial-related expenses to defendants found immune under this provision when a civil action is brought against them

• Legislative findings identify insufficient civil liability protection for individuals who lawfully use deadly force and establish need for expanded civil immunity statute