The Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, has been successfully passed in the House of Representatives.
Debate on the Bill began on Wednesday afternoon and continued into the night, with 13 members contributing. Twenty-three members voted in favour of the Bill, 10 voted against, and there were no abstentions. No amendments were made.
In an announcement on X, the Prime Minister stated that she was pleased to confirm the passage of the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025. However, she lamented that the Opposition did not support the legislation, saying that they had failed to put the safety of citizens first.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Bill introduces stringent new penalties, including heavy fines and extended imprisonment for those convicted.
“Key provisions include: Home invasion now carries a $500,000 fine and 20 years’ imprisonment. Harsher penalties – a $750,000 fine and 25 years’ imprisonment – apply to gang members, organised criminals, or offenders acting in the presence of a child, senior, person with a disability, or other vulnerable individual. Occupants have no duty to retreat and may use or threaten force to defend themselves or others. Deadly force may be justified where there is an honest belief that it is necessary to prevent imminent death, grievous bodily harm, or grievous sexual assault.”
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar emphasised that the legislation puts the rights of law-abiding citizens first and sends a clear message: attacks on our homes will not be tolerated.