JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri House has approved legislation expanding a self-defense law against home intruders.
A so-called “castle doctrine” law approved in 2007 gives Missourians a right to defend themselves and their property. The law says that people can use deadly force to stop an intruder in a home or vehicle. There is no duty to retreat if someone enters illegally.
The measure passed by the House with a 110-39 vote on Thursday would extend that right to people on a property with the owner’s consent. Current law applies only to the owner or tenant of a location.
The legislation now heads to the Senate.