Raised Bill No. 388 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Connecticut General Statutes sections 53a-19, 53a-20, and 53a-21 effective October 1, 2022, concerning the use of physical force in self-defense.

• Creates a presumption that belief in the necessity of deadly physical force is reasonable when defending oneself or another from deadly physical force or great bodily harm.

• Eliminates the duty to retreat when a person is in their own dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of work and was not the initial aggressor; peace officers and special policemen are also exempt from retreat requirements.

• Establishes presumptions that deadly force is reasonably necessary to prevent unlawful entry by force into a dwelling, place of work, or motor vehicle.

• Permits use of deadly physical force to defend against trespass, criminal trespass, larceny, criminal mischief, arson, or crimes of violence on premises or property under the person's control.