Utah law: Person defending home cannot be sued

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A person who shoots or otherwise injures an intruder cannot be sued under a bill that has passed the Utah Senate.

Republican Sen. Curt Bramble of Provo says Friday House Bill 129 protects homeowners who defend themselves, their family or their property from being held civilly liable even if the intruder was not committing a felony or is subsequently found innocent.

Republican Rep. Patrick Painter of Nephi says a person should be allowed to defend their home without having to determine what type of crime an intruder is committing.

If the House approves amendments to the bill Monday, the bill will go to Gov. Gary Herbert. The Senate gave the bill unanimous approval.

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