Don’t Let Vigilantes Dictate Justice: Stop 'Stand Your Ground' Expansion

I urge you to oppose SB363 (Brown), HB363 (Sparks), and SB147 (Coleman), which threaten to erode accountability for violent acts under the guise of self-defense, endangering Missourians and exacerbating systemic inequities. These bills dangerously shift the legal burden of proof, creating a “presumption of reasonableness” for those claiming self-defense and granting sweeping immunity from criminal and civil liability. Such changes will embolden vigilantism and disproportionately harm Black communities and other marginalized groups already vulnerable to racialized violence. Consider the shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black Kansas City teenager who survived being shot simply for ringing the wrong doorbell. Under current law, the shooter must prove his fear was objectively reasonable. These bills would flip this burden, forcing prosecutors to disprove the shooter’s subjective mindset, a nearly insurmountable hurdle. The shooter’s claim of “fear” would be presumed valid, even in a case where racial bias and reckless force are glaring. This presumption risks normalizing tragedies like Ralph’s, enabling shooters to evade consequences by weaponizing subjective perceptions of threat, perceptions often rooted in stereotypes. Furthermore, the immunity provisions in these bills strip victims of recourse. By shielding perpetrators from civil suits, even when criminal charges fail, these bills deny justice to survivors and families. Families would be barred from seeking accountability in civil court, compounding their trauma. This immunity also incentivizes reckless violence, as perpetrators face neither criminal nor financial repercussions. The bills' restrictions on law enforcement, barring arrests unless there is “probable cause” the force was unlawful, further endanger public safety. Officers responding to shootings like Ralph’s would face additional barriers to detain suspects, potentially allowing armed individuals to evade scrutiny entirely. The repeal of civil remedies is equally alarming, signaling that the legislature prioritizes protecting aggressors over supporting victims. These bills do not strengthen self-defense; they legalizes impunity. We cannot legislate away the human cost of unfettered violence. Missouri deserves laws that uphold justice, not those that deepen divides and endanger lives. I urge you to reject SB363, HB363, and SB147. Let Ralph Yarl’s case be a reminder: “Stand Your Ground” policies do not make us safer, they legitimize fear and violence. Protect our communities and vote no on these bills.