Castle Doctrine Bill Passes in Senate
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati voted in support of legislation that would allow law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without retreat and with potential lethal force providing their life is in danger. The bill passed the Senate today with a 43-4 final vote.
“This is a common-sense bill that further allows individuals the right to protect themselves and their loved ones if they feel lethally threatened,” Scarnati stated. “The basic right to protect ourselves and loved ones, whether at home, in a vehicle, or in a public place is one of the fundamental premises of our democracy.”
According to Scarnati, under current law citizens have the right to defend themselves in their homes. However, they must show retreat outside their home when facing the danger of lethal force. This expansion of the ‘Castle Doctrine’ provides that individuals in any place they have the right to be can defend themselves, or love ones, when in significant danger.
“I am pleased that a majority of the members of the Senate recognized the shortcoming in the original law and acted responsibly in protecting law abiding citizens and their second amendment rights,” Scarnati added. “Clearly, it is vital for the General Assembly to take action on pieces of legislation that provide for the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens.”
“It is my sincere hope that the House of Representatives recognize the importance of this change and vote accordingly,” Scarnati concluded. “Subsequently, it is also my hope that Governor Corbett, unlike Governor Rendell, will see the merit in this bill and sign it.”
Senate Bill 273, sponsored by Senator Richard Alloway, must be agreed to by a majority of the House of Representatives before going to the desk of the Governor for his signature.
“This is a common-sense bill that further allows individuals the right to protect themselves and their loved ones if they feel lethally threatened,” Scarnati stated. “The basic right to protect ourselves and loved ones, whether at home, in a vehicle, or in a public place is one of the fundamental premises of our democracy.”
According to Scarnati, under current law citizens have the right to defend themselves in their homes. However, they must show retreat outside their home when facing the danger of lethal force. This expansion of the ‘Castle Doctrine’ provides that individuals in any place they have the right to be can defend themselves, or love ones, when in significant danger.
“I am pleased that a majority of the members of the Senate recognized the shortcoming in the original law and acted responsibly in protecting law abiding citizens and their second amendment rights,” Scarnati added. “Clearly, it is vital for the General Assembly to take action on pieces of legislation that provide for the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens.”
“It is my sincere hope that the House of Representatives recognize the importance of this change and vote accordingly,” Scarnati concluded. “Subsequently, it is also my hope that Governor Corbett, unlike Governor Rendell, will see the merit in this bill and sign it.”
Senate Bill 273, sponsored by Senator Richard Alloway, must be agreed to by a majority of the House of Representatives before going to the desk of the Governor for his signature.
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