OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that would protect motorists from criminal or civil prosecution when they make a reasonable effort to escape from a crowd unlawfully blocking the road and surrounding the vehicle passed the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee today.

Senate Bill 560 is authored by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, and Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow.

“Immunity for the use of defensive force to protect your life or the lives of others is already in statute for those at church, in their homes or places of business,” West said. “This just adds to the definition of self-defense for those that are in a vehicle.”

West said the language specifies that the activity surrounding the vehicle or blocking the road must be unlawful. He also stressed that it would still be up to law enforcement or the courts to decide if a reasonable effort was made to escape.

SB 560 passed committee with a vote of 8-2. It is now eligible to be considered by the full House before going to the governor to be signed into law.

Rick West represents District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes part of LeFlore County.