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 while 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 are protected from adverse employment actions, such as termination, solely for defending themselves or others. Additionally, it allows for the use of deadly force without a duty to retreat if the individual reasonably believes that they or another person are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

The bill aims to ensure that employees can defend themselves without fear of losing their jobs, thereby promoting a safer work environment. It clarifies that the justified use of force in these circumstances constitutes a complete defense against civil actions from the attacker, while also outlining exceptions where this defense would not apply, such as when the person is engaged in unlawful activity or provokes the attack. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance the rights of employees to protect themselves with the need for workplace safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7-22