The bill aims to clarify the use of self-defense in criminal cases and introduces provisions for the reimbursement of legal costs and the expungement of records for individuals who successfully assert self-defense. It establishes new sections in the law, specifically W.S. 6-2-604 and 6-2-605, which outline the process for reimbursement of costs incurred during a criminal prosecution when a person is found not guilty or has charges dismissed due to reasonable use of defensive force. The bill also mandates that individuals be informed of their right to file for expungement upon acquittal and provides a streamlined process for doing so, including the elimination of filing fees.

Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions and provisions related to self-defense, including the clarification that "criminal prosecution" encompasses arrest and charges, and defines "expungement" as the permanent destruction of records. It specifies that the use of defensive force is reasonable when it is necessary to prevent injury or loss to oneself or others, and introduces new subsections that guide judges and juries in determining the reasonableness of defensive force. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon completion of the necessary legislative processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6-2-601, 6-2-602