Governor signs bill on self-defense shootings
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COLUMBUS — A bill giving the benefit of the doubt to Ohioans who shoot intruders has been signed into law by Gov. Ted Strickland.
The governor called the measure “common sense legislation” as he signed it Tuesday. When the new law takes effect in early September, it will be presumed that anyone who injures or kills an intruder in their home or car will have acted in self defense.
Republican state Senator Steve Buehrer sponsored the bill and says it will make Ohioans feel safer in their homes.
Prosecutors have complained that it could allow drug dealers to claim self defense in shootings during deals gone sour.
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