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 legislation specifies that employees who are physically attacked or reasonably apprehensive of an attack by someone who is not a co-worker may defend themselves without facing adverse employment actions, such as termination. It also clarifies that 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.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the justified use of force in these circumstances serves as a complete defense against any civil actions brought by the attacker. It includes provisions that deny this defense to individuals who are engaged in unlawful activities or who provoke the use of force against themselves. The bill also emphasizes that it does not authorize resistance against law enforcement officers performing their duties. Overall, the purpose of this legislation is to ensure that employees are protected from negative repercussions when they act in self-defense or in defense of others in the workplace.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7-22