A measure extending Colorado’s “Make My Day” law to businesses—it currently permits the use of deadly force against intruders only in defending one’s home—has been approved by the GOP-controlled House and is on its way to the Democratic Senate for consideration.

House Bill 1088, sponsored by Rep. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, and Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, permits the use of any degree of physical force by a business owner or employee against an intruder who commits a crime and might use physical force.

The proposal has been attempted at least twice in the legislature during the last three years, only to be shot down by ruling Democrats in 2009 and 2010. With Republicans in charge of the House since 2011 in what is now a split legislature, this is the first time the proposal, dubbed Make My Day Better, has passed out of either chamber.

Holbert says the right to use deadly force to defend oneself is a core value of society.

“This bill codifies a fundamental principle that this country was founded upon,” said Holbert. “People, and in this case, people in the workplace, have the right to self-defense.”

Yet, Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, in debate on the House floor, said the unintended consequences may be too great to bear if businesses are granted immunity from prosecution as a matter of course.

“I’m concerned about the overuse of deadly force,” said Fields. “I know there’s been cases in my district where there’s been overreaction—a quick rush to judgment—where someone has been murdered.”

Rep. Claire Levy, D-Boulder, framed her objection to the measure in broader terms.

“My biggest objection to this bill is that it does not respect life,” said Levy.

Sen. Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City, is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.

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