AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFENSE OF A PERSON'S HOME.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

That section 53a-20 of the general statutes be amended to provide that if a person believes that deadly physical force is necessary to prevent or terminate an unlawful entry by force into such person's dwelling or to prevent the commission of arson or a crime of violence by a trespasser, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that such belief was a reasonable belief.

Statement of Purpose:

To fully adopt the "castle doctrine" by establishing a rebuttable presumption that when a homeowner believes it necessary to use deadly force to repel an intruder then that belief is a reasonable belief.