Make My Day law for Colorado businesses debated

The Republican-controlled House approved the bill expanding self-defense protections for businesses on a voice vote, with Democratic opposition. The bill dubbed "Make My Day Better" builds on the protections already in place under the state's "Make My Day" law, which allows residents to use deadly force against home intruders.

The idea to expand legal protections for businesses has failed several times in the past. This year, the bill is expected to pass the House this year but will likely fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Colorado Springs Rep. Mark Waller, the third-ranking Republican in the House, said the legislation is needed so business owners and employees avoid costly prosecutions if they used force to protect themselves. He said arguing self-defense in a case doesn't always work.

"Here's how self-defense works members," Waller said during a floor debate. "You get charged by the prosecutor, and then you say, 'I didn't do it. I plead not guilty to this charge.' The prosecutor says, 'I'm going to offer you a plea bargain in this case. And by the way, if you don't take the plea bargain you're going to go to jail the rest of your life, if you're convicted at trial."

Democrats opposing the bill argued the legislation gives too much power to business owners and employees, who would only have to have a belief that someone poses to a threat in order to use deadly force.

"Here we go again. We've seen this bill, is there anything new to say about it?" said Boulder Democratic Rep. Claire Levy. "This bill, my biggest objection to it is that it doesn't respect life."

Most states have some variation of a self-defense law, either for homes or businesses.

House Bill 1088 still faces another vote before it goes to the Senate.

Other gun bills being heard Thursday include a measure to people to carry concealed firearms without a permit, and a proposal that would prevent state officials from restricting the use of firearms during a declared state of emergency. Another bill would eliminate background checks done by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for firearm purchases. Background checks are also done federally.

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Online:

Read House Bill 1088: http://goo.gl/6Jn1C

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