Bill Description

AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses; clarifying the use of self-defense to prevent injury or loss to other persons and property; requiring the expungement of records for cases dismissed for use of self-defense; authorizing reimbursement of costs incurred in defending a criminal prosecution after successfully asserting self-defense; providing definitions; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.

Notes

HB0014 enhances protections for individuals who exercise their right to self-defense under existing law (W.S. 6-2-602). It introduces new sections (6-2-604 and 6-2-605) focused on reimbursing legal costs and expunging records for those cleared of charges due to justified defensive actions. It also amends definitions and procedures in related statutes to streamline these processes. Overall, the bill strengthens individual rights by reducing the financial and long-term burdens associated with defending oneself legally after a self-defense incident.