California Bill Would Limit Residents’ Ability to Use Deadly Force to Defend Their Property

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The legislation states homicide is not justifiable when using ‘more force than was reasonably necessary.’

A California bill that would restrict the use of lethal force to defend people’s property from criminals could be heard by a legislative committee March 24.

Assembly Bill 1333, by Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, a Democrat representing Santa Monica, would eliminate certain circumstances under which homicide is justifiable, including if the person was defending a residence or property or trying to prevent someone from committing a felony.

The legislation, introduced in February, also states homicide is not justifiable when “more force than was reasonably necessary” was used to defend against danger, according to the bill’s proposed text.

In addition, it restricts lethal action when a person is “outside of their residence and knew that using force likely to cause death or great bodily injury could have been avoided with complete safety by retreating,” among other restrictions.

LEXIT, a group representing the conservative Latino movement in the United States, said the bill “would eviscerate the ‘castle doctrine,’ meaning that you could no longer protect your property,” according to a video shared on March 1 on the social media group X by the group.

The castle doctrine, also called the “stand your ground” common law principle, states that a person is justified in the use of deadly force to protect his or her home and its inhabitants from intruders, without being obliged to retreat.

‘Protecting People From Vigilante Violence’

According to Zbur, the bill does not change the long-standing “castle doctrine,” which gives people extra self-defense protections in their home, and which exists in a different part of the Code—California Penal Code 198.5.

“AB 1333 was never intended to limit a crime victim’s right to defend themselves, their families, or their homes,” Zbur told The Epoch Times in an email on March 5.

Zbur said he already plans to amend the legislation to clear up any confusion that might have been raised about it.

“The [goal] of AB 1333 is to promote public safety by protecting people from vigilante violence in public places,” Zbur said. “We will be amending the bill to make this crystal clear.”

By Jill McLaughlin

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

The Sacred Honor of the 56

Today we're celebrating the sacred honor of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Alligator Alcatraz: A Bold Step Toward Secure Borders

Alligator Alcatraz funded through FEMA, represents a decisive move by the Trump admin to address illegal immigration with efficiency and resolve.

Is America Broke?

Silicon Valley investor and economic commentator Balaji Srinivasan made...

Hungary: Pride™ Cometh Before the Color Revolution

The EU engaged in a diplomatic siege of the Eastern European nation-state of Hungary pressuring it into embrace global trannyism or face wrath of Brussels.

Understanding the Trump/Musk Feud

The passion Trump and Musk exhibit over the OBBB is not contrived or for show. Each is addressing the problem from completely different approaches.

Noem Waives Environmental Restrictions to Fast-Track Water Barriers in Rio Grande

DHS Sec Kristi Noem waived federal environmental laws to fast-track construction of 17 miles of waterborne barriers in the Rio Grande in South Texas.

Federal Officials Warn of ‘Lone Wolf’ Terror Threats on July 4, NY Governor Says

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed that federal officials informed her about a possible terrorist threat ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday.

Record 1 in 5 Buyers of New Cars Committing to $1,000-Plus Monthly Payments: Edmunds

The share of new car buyers committing to make monthly payments of $1,000 or more hit an “all-time high” in the second quarter of 2025.

US Economy Adds 147,000 New Jobs, Unemployment Rate Dips to 4.1 Percent in June

The U.S. job market remained strong in June, as labor conditions continued to hold up amid economic uncertainty.

US Keeps Pressure on Chinese Goods Amid Vietnam Trade Deal

Transshipping—rerouting goods through a third country to disguise the origin of the products—is a focal point of trade negotiations with Asian markets.

White House Report Reveals Top Earners, Staffers Working for No Salary

The Trump admin released its yearly report that shows the salaries for White House staffers, also revealing officials who aren’t accepting salaries at all.

Transportation Secretary Urges Governors to Remove Political Messages From Crosswalks, Intersections

Duffy sent letters to governors, mayor of D.C., and gov of Puerto Rico urging them to remove political messaging from intersections and crosswalks.

Bessent: US, India Near Agreement to Lower Tariffs

The United States and India are “very close” to a trade agreement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday.
spot_img

Related Articles