Bill to close prison defense loophole awaits governor’s pen

A loophole in Colorado law that allows inmates to use deadly force to defend their prison cells is close to being closed.

The state Senate voted 35-0 Monday to amend Colorado’s so-called “Make My Day” law, which allows deadly force against threatening intruders.

The law has twice been used to clear murder charges against state inmates accused of stabbing to death another inmate who entered their cell. The prisoners successfully argued that the prison cell was their home and that they felt threatened.

Lawmakers have said the “Make My Day” law was never intended to authorize a prison-cell defense.

The bill has already passed the House and now awaits the pen of Gov. John Hickenlooper, who is expected to sign it into law.