Provides a rebuttable defense for those lawfully present if they die or are injured while committing a violent crime in self-defense.

This bill amends the Rhode Island General Laws to provide a rebuttable defense for individuals who die or sustain personal injury while committing a violent crime if they were lawfully present, acted in self-defense, and reasonably believed the person they were defending against was about to cause great bodily harm or death. The bill removes any duty for owners, tenants, or occupiers to retreat from a person committing a violent crime if they are lawfully present. The changes take effect upon passage.

Provides a rebuttable defense for those lawfully present if they die or are injured while committing a violent crime in self-defense.

This bill amends the Rhode Island General Laws to provide a rebuttable defense for individuals who die or sustain personal injury while committing a violent crime if they were lawfully present, acted in self-defense, and reasonably believed the person they were defending against was about to cause great bodily harm or death. The bill removes any duty for owners, tenants, or occupiers to retreat from a person committing a violent crime if they are lawfully present. The changes take effect upon passage.