This bill enacts new provisions in the Louisiana Code of Evidence and the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the burden of proof in cases involving self-defense claims. Under the newly added Article 1105 of the Code of Evidence, in civil proceedings where self-defense is claimed, the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their actions were justified as self-defense. Conversely, if the self-defense claim is raised by an authorized person, the burden shifts to the opposing party to demonstrate that the injury or loss was not a result of justified self-defense.

Additionally, the bill introduces Article 389 to the Code of Criminal Procedure, which stipulates that in criminal cases where self-defense is asserted, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense. It also requires defendants intending to claim self-defense to provide written notice to the district attorney within ten days after the state has moved for discovery. Furthermore, it mandates that peace officers consider self-defense evidence when determining probable cause for arrests.