Ohio State Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel and Beth Lear introduced House Bill 498, the "Ohio Self Defense Act" Thursday to offer additional legal protections to Ohioans who choose to exercise their right to self-defense.

"Self-defense is a foundational right," Rep. Robb Blasdel said in a release. "This bill protects good people who do the right thing, while ensuring accountability remains for criminals."

The bill, if passed, would make several reforms to Ohio law including:

- Pretrial immunity process: Citizens facing charges or lawsuits for lawful self-defense would be allowed to request a pretrial immunity hearing.

- Strengthened civil immunity: Ohioans would be protected from civil liability when acting lawfully in self-defense, requiring courts to award attorney fees and costs if immunity applies. 

- Codification of "threatened use of force": Displaying a firearm or issuing a verbal defensive warning would be protected under the law.

- Clear presumptions: Citizens would be presumed to have acted reasonably when defending themselves against intruders in their homes, vehicles or places of business.

- Clarified burdens of proof: Prosecutors would be required to present clear and convincing evidence at an immunity hearing and, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The representatives say the bill will help "deter violence before shots are fired" and that the legislation is written to "exclude individuals engaged in violent felonies, unlawful activity, or acts against peace officers performing their duties."

"We never know when we could be in a troubling situation so it's important to understand and have self-defense," Rep. Robb Blasdel told 21 News.

The bill awaits a committee assignment.