Earlier this month, Senator Karla Eslinger (Wasola) and Representative Curtis Trent (Springfield) filed SB 1134 and HB 2679 to allow family members and employees who work at a business to use reasonable force in self-defense under Missouri’s Castle Doctrine. The joint proposal comes as a response to “defund the police” movements and the trend of liberal administrations to refuse to protect private property and small business owners.
Missouri’s Castle Doctrine allows a person to use physical force upon another person if they believe force is necessary to defend themselves or another person and that unlawful force is imminent against them. Currently, the Castle Doctrine states a person does not have a duty to retreat from a dwelling, residence, or vehicle. The proposed legislation would expand that to include place of employment.
“We consulted with prosecutors in writing our bill to make sure this bill provides reasonable protection for business owners and employees without putting public safety at risk,” stated Trent.
“This law will serve as a deterrent to criminals and looters knowing that small business owners and their employees have the right to defend themselves,” noted Eslinger.
“Our change would make it exceedingly difficult for liberal prosecutors who want to prosecute law abiding citizens trying to protect their business from looters and criminals. This addresses the eroding of property rights of Missourians due to the defund the police movement and leftist urban policing policies,” stated Trent.
“In the last few years, we have watched urban riots and protests spill over to rural communities.” Eslinger said, “Looters have turned peaceful protests into opportunities to riot, burn and loot businesses, while police were forced to stand down leaving people to defend themselves. I want to make sure if this comes to our community, the law is clear so individuals can protect themselves if law enforcement is unable to do so.”
“Imagine fighting your whole life to build a small business and then be told there will be no police to protect your business, no insurance if it is looted or destroyed, and your family or employees could be prosecuted for trying to defend what you have worked hard for over a lifetime. This gives small business owners a clear right to defend their business,” said Trent.
