The Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, was passed in the Lower House on Wednesday, but what does the Bill cover?
What are some of the rules and restrictions that will be applied to nationals once the Bill, in its current form, is passed in the Senate and assented to by the President?
The new, stand-alone offence of home invasion, while giving occupants the legal right to defend themselves, their families and their property without the duty to retreat, is not a wholesale licence to kill.
Under the proposed law, a home invasion occurs when a person unlawfully enters a dwelling, whether by force, deception or by refusing to leave when instructed, and then uses intimidation, threats or violence, or commits acts such as theft, destruction of property, grievous bodily harm, rape, or murder.
One of the most significant elements of the legislation is the adoption of “stand your ground” protections within the home. The law gives homeowners the right to stand their ground and use defensive force, including deadly force, if they honestly believe their life, the life of another person or their property is in immediate danger.
The Bill also introduces strong penalties aimed at deterring violent home invasions, particularly those connected to gang activity.
A person convicted of home invasion faces a fine of $500,000 and a 20-year prison sentence.
The penalties increase sharply when the crime is committed by a gang member, someone involved in organised criminal activity, or in the presence of a child or other vulnerable person. In these aggravated cases, the fine rises to $750,000, and the sentence increases to 25 years.
There are some protections in place to prevent misuse of the law. An occupant cannot claim self-defence if the force used is grossly disproportionate, if they themselves are engaged in criminal activity, or if the force is directed at a law enforcement officer on duty. The protections also do not apply where the occupant’s judgement is impaired due to the influence of drugs.
Once proclaimed by the President, the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill is expected to reshape the legal landscape surrounding violent break-ins in Trinidad and Tobago.
The measure aims to give homeowners clarity and confidence when facing life-threatening situations, while sending a strong message to gang-connected offenders and organised criminal networks.