Bill > SF76

This bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws, providing comprehensive definitions and protections for individuals using force to defend themselves, their homes, and others. The legislation eliminates the common law duty to retreat when defending oneself, creates clear definitions for terms like "deadly force," "dwelling," and "forcible felony," and establishes specific circumstances under which the use of deadly force is legally justified. The bill creates presumptive legal protections for individuals who use force when someone is unlawfully entering their dwelling or occupied vehicle, particularly by force or stealth, and provides immunity from criminal prosecution for those using force in self-defense. Key provisions include allowing individuals to use all necessary force, including deadly force, when they reasonably believe they are preventing substantial bodily harm, great bodily harm, or death, and shifting the burden of proof in criminal trials to require the state to prove that a defendant's defensive actions were not justifiable. The law explicitly does not apply to situations involving lawful peace officers and includes specific exclusions for individuals engaged in criminal activity. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to uses of deadly force occurring on or after that date.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0076&ssn=0&y=2025