SB 1145, the "Castle Doctrine" sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (D-30), will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m. The most significant component of this legislation will come by way of amendment.
The "Burden of Proof" amendment addresses a truly grave situation facing any Arizonan who is forced to act in self-defense. Because of a change to the self-defense laws that was passed with little fanfare in 1997, citizens who act in self-defense are currently presumed guilty until they prove their innocence in court. This defies the age-old principle of "innocent until proven guilty." This leaves good citizens vulnerable to wrongful prosecution and conviction for simply defending themselves and their loved ones from violence.
Arizona is one of only two states in the country that places the burden of proof in self-defense cases on the citizen instead of the state. This is simply wrong and must be corrected this year before more abuses occur! Please contact your Senator and ask him or her to support SB 1145 with the "Burden of Proof" Amendment.
The full House passed HB 2074, legislation sponsored by Representative Chuck Gray (R-19). The bill eliminates the two-hour refresher-training course for concealed carry permit renewals. This will end Arizona’s status as one of only a handful of Right-to-Carry states that have such a requirement. Please call your Senator and ask that he or she support this legislation. Senators can be reached at (602) 926-3559, or toll free at (800) 352-8404.
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