The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7070, seeks to amend the current law regarding the duty to retreat before using deadly physical force. Specifically, it repeals subsection (b) of section 53a-19 and introduces new provisions that exempt individuals from the requirement to retreat when they are in a house of religious worship, their dwelling, or their place of work, provided they are not the initial aggressor. Additionally, peace officers and private individuals assisting them are also exempt from the retreat requirement when acting under specific circumstances.

The bill aims to clarify that individuals can defend themselves or others without the obligation to retreat in certain safe environments, thereby enhancing their right to self-defense in places of worship and other specified locations. The effective date for this amendment is set for October 1, 2025.