AZ HB2209

Amends self-defense laws to allow use of physical or deadly force when it is "immediately necessary" or when a person "reasonably believes" it is immediately necessary, removing the "reasonable person would believe" standard as the sole test.

Repeals section 13-406 and removes references to it throughout the statute, streamlining justification provisions for use of force.

Adds new section 13-422 establishing that a person in a lawful place has no duty to retreat before using force, and lists factors courts may consider when determining if force was necessary (nature of risk, law enforcement response time, prior violent acts).

Adds new section 13-423 creating an "imperfect self-defense" sentencing mechanism allowing courts to reduce murder convictions to manslaughter or allow probation for other offenses when a defendant's belief that force was necessary was unreasonable.

Expands defensive display provisions to include weapons other than firearms and clarifies justification standards across multiple sections relating to defense of premises, property, law enforcement, crime prevention, and nuclear security guards.