JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – A state senator running for attorney general wants Missouri to expand its “stand your ground” laws to make it easier for people to use deadly force in self-defense.

Sen. Kurt Schaefer told a senate panel Wednesday that people should be able to do whatever it takes to defend themselves without worrying about a lawsuit afterward.

Current law allows people to use deadly force if they believe it is necessary to protect themselves from a serious or fatal injury or against a forcible felony. Otherwise, a person is expected to retreat from a confrontational situation, unless he or she is in a home, car or other private property.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal said she supports empowering people to defend themselves, but this proposal might be too sweeping.