SB 383 (Repeal Duty to Retreat) to receive first hearing

Senator Bill Coley (R-4), who chairs the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee, has announced a first hearing for SB 383 (Repeal Duty to Retreat).

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Finance Hearing Room at the Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215.

The committee will hear proponent testimony. BFA Executive Director Dean Rieck will be offering testimony in support of the bill.

Buckeye Firearms Association has been a long-time supporter of eliminating the duty to retreat and has worked with SB 383 sponsor Senator Terry Johnson on previous versions of the bill.

"The legal burden in current law forces crime victims to make a terrible choice: face the loss of life, or potentially face criminal charges for protecting themselves or a loved one," said Rieck. "SB 383 is a clean and concisely written bill that removes this burden once and for all."

Repealing the duty to retreat does not allow people to use deadly force without provocation. A victim would still have to meet the criteria to establish legal self-defense.

"SB 383 would restore what should be a basic right in Ohio," said Rieck. "It's our hope that the General Assembly would move quickly to consider this bill as the 2020 session winds down."