A new bill could keep victims out of trouble if they hurt an assailant while fleeing an attack.
House Bill 679 is under consideration right now. It would add to the “Stand Your Ground” laws in Idaho to protect you while in your car. It says a driver will not be criminally liable for injuries, death, or damage to property of the person the driver believes is attempting to hurt him or her. It goes on to list the covered crimes as assault, robbery, rape, kidnapping, murder, or “other heinous crime”. It includes the driver and occupants of the vehicle.
It allows the driver to use the vehicle as a means of defense and escape in “any way that would appear to be necessary…without the benefit of hindsight.”
If it passes, and the Governor signs it, it will go into effect July 1st.
