This bill amends West Virginia Code §55-7-22 to enhance employment protections for individuals who use reasonable and proportionate force, including deadly force, in self-defense or defense of others at their place of employment. The new legal language specifies that employees who are physically attacked or reasonably apprehend an attack by someone who is not a co-worker may defend themselves without facing adverse employment actions, such as termination, solely for their defensive actions. Additionally, it clarifies that these individuals may use deadly force without a duty to retreat if they believe they or another person are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

The bill also maintains existing provisions that justify the use of reasonable and proportionate force against intruders or attackers in various circumstances, including in one's home or any place where the person has a legal right to be. It outlines conditions under which the use of force is justified and establishes that such actions provide a complete defense against civil actions brought by the attacker. However, it excludes individuals engaged in unlawful activities or those who provoke the use of force from these protections. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that employees can defend themselves without fear of losing their jobs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7-22