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House panel backs bill allowing private person to break into building in narrow emergency
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 1299, which would allow a private person in imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death to break into a building to attempt a citizen’s arrest. The committee voted to give the bill a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.
The House Judiciary Committee on a voice and roll-call vote recommended passage of House Bill 1299, which spells out circumstances in which a private person may break into a building to attempt a citizen’s arrest.
Representative Olsen, the bill carrier, told the committee the measure applies only when a private person faces “imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death,” allowing that person to break into the building where the emergency is occurring. Committee members discussed the unlikelihood of the situation and potential legal exposure. “Good way to get sued,” one member observed during debate.
Representative Schneider moved a do-pass recommendation and Representative Van Winkle seconded. The committee took a roll-call vote and the motion carried 10 to 1 with 3 members absent.
The committee clerk was instructed to forward the bill to the front desk for further processing; Representative Olsen will carry the bill on the floor.
