NJ A1529

Eliminates the duty to retreat for persons in possession, control, or lawfully present in a dwelling, allowing them to stand their ground and use force, including deadly force, when reasonably necessary to prevent imminent death, serious bodily harm, or violent crimes

Creates a legal presumption that a person had reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm when using defensive force against someone unlawfully and forcibly entering a dwelling or occupied vehicle, or attempting to remove someone against their will

Excludes the presumption of reasonable fear in specific situations, including when the intruder is lawfully present and not subject to a protective order, when the person removed is a child in lawful custody, or when the defender is engaged in criminal activity

Protects law enforcement officers by excluding the presumption when an officer enters a dwelling or vehicle while performing official duties and properly identifies themselves

Repeals the current N.J.S.2C:3-6 law governing use of force in defense of premises and takes effect 90 days after enactment