HARRISBURG – State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) is one of the cosponsors of House Bill 40, the Castle Doctrine legislation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Tom Corbett. The bill addresses the use of deadly force in defense of one’s self and others within an individual’s residence or occupied vehicle.
Gabler issued the following statement in response to the signing:
“Signing of this bill into law is long overdue, but nevertheless welcome for those of us who have cosponsored this legislation from the start. Pennsylvanians deserve the right to protect themselves and should not have to be concerned with retribution, liability or lawsuit when confronted by an intruder or attacker who threatens to do obvious harm to their life or property.
“This bill is important because it places innocent victims first. This legislation dispels the notion that a would-be victim has a duty to retreat before exercising a right to self-defense. I’m very honored and proud to have had the opportunity to take part in the creation of this new law that will make Pennsylvania safer for law-abiding citizens.”