Bill > SF311

This bill modifies Minnesota's self-defense laws by comprehensively redefining and expanding legal provisions related to the use of deadly force in defense of home and person. The bill eliminates the common law duty to retreat, creates new definitions for key terms like "dwelling" (which now includes a broad range of temporary and permanent living spaces), "deadly force", and "forcible felony", and establishes clear circumstances when the use of deadly force is legally justified. The legislation creates a presumption of reasonable belief in imminent threat when someone unlawfully enters a dwelling or occupied vehicle by force or stealth, and provides immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals using force in self-defense. The bill extends self-defense rights to include defending against entry into an occupied vehicle and clarifies that individuals can use superior force when defending themselves, with no obligation to retreat. Importantly, the bill shifts the burden of proof in criminal trials to the state, requiring prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant's actions were not justifiable in self-defense scenarios. The new law, referred to as the "Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2025", will take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to deadly force incidents occurring on or after that date.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0311&ssn=0&y=2025