H.B. 129

1

DEFENSE OF PROPERTY AND PERSON
2 2012 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Patrick Painter
5 Senate Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill clarifies the statute regarding civil liability for defending against criminal
10 activity.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . clarifies that a person is justified in defending their home and family against
14 criminal activity and may not be liable for civil damages for injury or damage
15 occurring while doing so.
16 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
17 None
18 Other Special Clauses:
19 None
20 Utah Code Sections Affected:
21 AMENDS:
22 78B-3-110, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 366
23
24 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 Section 1. Section 78B-3-110 is amended to read:
26 78B-3-110. Defense to civil action for damages resulting from commission of
27 crime.

28 (1) A person may not recover from the victim of a crime for personal injury or property
29 damage if [the person]:
30 (a) the person entered the property of the victim or the victim's family with criminal
31 intent and the injury or damage was inflicted by the victim or occurred while the person was on
32 the victim's property; [or]
33 (b) the person committed a crime against the victim or the victim's family, during
34 which the damage or injury occurred[.]; or
35 [(2) The provisions of Subsection (1) do not apply if the person can prove by clear and
36 convincing evidence that:]
37 [(a) the person's actions did not constitute a felony; and]
38 [(b) the person's culpability was less than the person from whom recovery is sought.]
39 [(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply]
40 (c) the victim is cleared of any wrongdoing under the provisions of Title 76, Chapter
41 2, Part 4, Justification Excluding Criminal Responsibility.
42 (2) Subsection (1) applies to any next-of-kin, heirs, or personal representatives of the
43 person if the person acquires a disability or is killed.
44 [(4)] (3) Subsections (1)[,] and (2)[, and (3)] do not apply if the person committing or
45 attempting to commit the crime has clearly retreated from the criminal activity.
46 [(5)] (4) "Clearly retreated" means that the person committing the criminal act has
47 fully, clearly, and immediately ceased all hostile, threatening, violent, or criminal behavior or
48 activity.




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-1-12 9:57 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel