Wis. Senate set to consider home defense measure

MADISON, Wis. — The state Senate is set to take up a bill that would allow homeowners to kill intruders without fear of civil liability.

The Republican bill creates a presumption of legal immunity for someone who injures or kills a person breaking into the defender's home, vehicle or workplace. The measure requires a judge to presume that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent harm.

The Assembly passed the proposal on a bipartisan 71-24 vote on Tuesday. The Senate is scheduled to consider the bill during a Thursday floor session. If the Senate approves the measure, it would go next to Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who can sign it into law or veto it.

Walker's spokesman says the governor supports the general concept but would have to evaluate the measure.