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Jan 28, 2007 12:11 pm US/Mountain
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'Make My Day' Law Scope Might Expand
DENVER (AP) ―
Lawmakers may soon expand Colorado's "Make My Day" law, which says people who use deadly force to protect themselves in their homes can't be prosecuted.
A measure dubbed "Make My Day Better" would also protect people who use deadly force to protect themselves in their businesses and automobiles.
The measure (House Bill 1011), sponsored by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, is scheduled to go before a House committee on Wednesday.
Gardner cited the case of a Denver businessman who told police he shot a burglar in self-defense inside his restaurant. A judge threw out an attempted murder charge against the owner but ordered him to stand trial on a charge of first-degree assault.
Prosecutors said the law does not apply to businesses.
"There is no reason we shouldn't be able to protect ourselves when we have a legal right to be there," Gardner said.
Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Golden, said lawmakers need to look carefully at any proposed changes to the "Make My Day" law to see if it has unintended consequences.
"It's one thing to tell people they can protect themselves, but is lethal force the protection we want for a car?" she asked.
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)