The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961 by modifying sections 2922b and 2922c to enhance legal protections for individuals who use or threaten to use deadly force or force other than deadly force in self-defense or in defense of others. It establishes that such individuals are immune from civil liability for damages, including personal injury or death, resulting from their actions, provided they comply with the self-defense act. Additionally, the bill introduces a presumption of immunity in cases where a grand jury or judicial officer has declined to indict, a prosecuting attorney has not issued a complaint, or a magistrate has refused to issue a warrant against the individual for the use of force.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that courts must award actual attorney fees, court costs, lost income, and other expenses to individuals sued for civil damages related to their use or threatened use of force, if the court finds that the individual acted in compliance with the self-defense act and is immune from civil liability. The amendments will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 600.2922