HB 1047 Summary

• Establishes that defensive display of a weapon or firearm, including warning shots, does not constitute use of deadly force and provides immunity from prosecution for persons acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others and property.

• Defines "defensive display" to include verbally informing another person of weapon possession, exposing or displaying a firearm in a manner conveying protective intent, and overtly placing a hand on a contained firearm or weapon.

• Provides that a person is justified in defensively displaying a firearm or weapon when reasonably believing it necessary to defend against unlawful force or prevent a forcible felony, with no duty to retreat from a place where they have a right to be.

• Exempts persons acting in self-defense or defense of others from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under existing law and allows sentencing courts to depart downward from mandatory minimums for aggravated assault or battery convictions when the defendant established a prima facie case of defensive intent.

• Takes effect upon becoming law.