SLS 12RS-1301 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
SENATE BILL NO. 738
BY SENATORS MORRELL, DORSEY-COLOMB AND HEITMEIER AND
REPRESENTATIVES BROSSETT, LEGER AND MORENO
HOMICIDE. Provides relative to a claim of self-defense. (gov sig)
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 14:20.1, relative to self-defense; to require full investigation of all deaths due2
to violence or suspicious circumstances when a claim of self-defense is raised; and3
to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 14:20.1 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 6
ยง20.1. Investigation of death due to violence or suspicious circumstances when7
claim of self-defense is raised8
Whenever a death results from violence or under suspicious9
circumstances and a claim of self-defense is raised, the appropriate law10
enforcement agency and coroner shall expeditiously conduct a full investigation11
of the death. All evidence of such investigation shall be preserved in accordance12
with the Public Records Law.13
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not14
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature15
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If16
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become17 SB NO. 738
SLS 12RS-1301 ENGROSSED
Page 2 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
effective on the day following such approval.1
The original instrument was prepared by Cathy R. Wells. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was
prepared by Alden A. Clement, Jr.
DIGEST
Morrell (SB 738)
Proposed law provides that whenever a death results from violence or under suspicious
circumstances and a claim of self-defense is raised, the appropriate law enforcement agency
and coroner must expeditiously conduct a full investigation of the death and all evidence of
such investigation is to be preserved in accordance with present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 14:20.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary C to the
original bill
1. Deletes proposed law relative to prohibitions on claims of self-defense.
2. Adds proposed law relative to investigations of claims of self-defense.