PA Bill Number: HB335
Title: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons.
Description: In inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons. ...
Last Action: Removed from table
Last Action Date: May 1, 2024
OK Lawmakers want changes to Stand Your Ground Law :: 03/05/2016
TULSA — State Senator Kevin Matthews says he would like to make changes to the Stand Your Ground Law. Matthews co-authored Senate Bill 1009 with State Representative Regina Goodwin, after at least two cases where they feel the law gave individuals too much power when they reported feeling threatened.
"I have actually received threats. There are a lot of people who think I am trying to take away Second Amendment rights, which is not true," said Matthews.
He says people have the right to protect themselves, but he believes the Stand Your Ground Law gave too much power to a security guard that shot and eventually killed Monroe Bird, who was accused of using his car as a weapon.
"I believe people have the opportunity and they should have the ability to protect themselves but I think shooting an unarmed person, a person that is leaving the scene, without committing a crime, is just too far reaching," said Matthews.
He states there are times citizens should leave a scene, or call the police.
"I think people have misunderstood what I am trying to solve with this bill. I am trying to solve the problem, like the young person that was shot, that just rang a doorbell and ran. I think when people feel they have the option to just shoot immediately, those types of accidents happen," said Matthews.
"Then it becomes a very long civil drawn out battle about whether somebody had the ability to leave or whether they didn't," said Eric Fuson, General Manager of the 2A Shooting Center. He says the laws are clear and it is up to the police and the district attorney to prosecute when deadly force is used inappropriately.
"I am glad we have the law on the books. I don't think it should change," said Fuson.
But Matthews and Goodwin both feel the law should be changed.
"People shoot and then make an excuse and think later and that is the problem," said Matthews, who has yet to see his bill discussed in committee.
http://ktul.com/news/local/lawmakers-want-changes-to-stand-your-ground-law
