On January 18, 2022, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 143 on self-defense authored by Sen. Doriot.This billspecifies that “reasonable force” includes the pointing of a loaded or unloaded firearm for purposes of self-defense and arrest statutes.
Representatives from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Indiana Public Defender Council testified, but remained neutral. The bill was held for amendment.
On January 25, 2022, the bill was amended by consent to specify that reasonable force includes the pointing of a loaded or unloaded firearm when used to prevent or terminate the other person’s:
- unlawful entry of or attack on the person’s dwelling, curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle
- trespass on or criminal interference with the person’s fixed place of business; or
- hijacking, seizing, or attempting to hijack or seize unlawful control of an aircraft in flight .
The amended bill passed 7-2.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/senate/143