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By a slight margin, the North Dakota House voted down a so-called "stand your ground" bill that supporters said would "empower potential victims."

House Bill 1497 failed by a vote of 41-49 on Wednesday. Rep. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton, introduced the bill to the House Judiciary Committee in January, which gave an 8-6 "do-pass" recommendation to the bill after amendments in committee work. Similar legislation failed in 2017.

"This bill would allow an individual to defend themselves when being attacked by removing the requirement to attempt a retreat before using deadly force," Magrum said.

Lawmakers questioned scenarios associated with the bill's intent.

"What about my friend who's being stalked by her ex-husband?" asked Rep. Mary Adams, D-Grand Forks. "If he comes to the door, does she get to shoot him because she's afraid he's going to do bodily harm?"

Others highlighted North Dakota's so-called "castle doctrine," or the right to essentially use deadly force in one's home, vehicle or workplace. People generally have a "duty to retreat" when assailed in public, unless use of force can't be avoided.