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Lawmakers Compromise on Deadly Force Bill

By Alabama Public Radio

Montgomery, AL – Members of the Alabama House reached a compromise and have approved a bill that would broaden the situations in which a person can use deadly force for protection. Current state law allows a person to use it if he or she feels threatened or is protecting property. But the law also says deadly force should not be used if the resident believes he or she can avoid it. The new law will change that language. Some African American lawmakers had complained the new bill would allow people to kill someone and claim they felt they were threatened. Lawmakers even filibustered the bill. But the House Black Caucus reached an agreement with the bill's supporters.

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