Bill > SF409

This bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's self-defense laws, specifically addressing the use of deadly force in defense of home and person. The legislation introduces detailed definitions for key terms like "deadly force," "dwelling," and "forcible felony," and establishes clear circumstances under which an individual can legally use force, including deadly force. The bill eliminates the common law duty to retreat, meaning individuals are not required to flee before defending themselves, and creates a legal presumption that a person using force against someone unlawfully entering their dwelling or vehicle has a reasonable belief of facing imminent threat. The law extends self-defense protections to include occupied vehicles and broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include various types of temporary and permanent living spaces. Importantly, the bill provides immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals using force in self-defense, shifts the burden of proof in criminal trials to the state to prove that self-defense was not justified, and specifies that law enforcement must carefully consider self-defense claims before making an arrest. The bill will become effective on August 1, 2025, and applies to uses of deadly force occurring on or after that date.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0409&ssn=0&y=2025