Thursday, March 17, 2011

Make My Day Law Bill Clears House

Legislation that would expand Oklahoma’s “Make My Day” law to include places of business has been passed by the House.

House Bill 1439, by Rep. Steve Vaughan, would give business owners and workers the right to use deadly force to defend themselves.

“There’s confusion on where the legal line is drawn between self-defense and an attack,” said Vaughan, R-Ponca City. “At the same time, I think most Oklahomans are not confused about where it should be drawn. If an armed robber approaches a business, I think most Oklahomans would think it was appropriate for a business owner or employee to use deadly force against that armed robber. Under current law, that business owner or employee could be charged with murder.”

The bill passed by a vote of 87 to 6. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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