Bill > SF624

This bill modifies Minnesota's existing law regarding the use of reasonable force by eliminating the "duty to retreat" requirement when a person is defending themselves or others. Specifically, the bill amends section 609.06 of Minnesota Statutes to clarify that an individual can use reasonable force to resist an offense against themselves or another person, regardless of whether they have the option to safely retreat from the situation. The existing law already outlines various circumstances where reasonable force may be used, such as by law enforcement, in property protection, or by parents and teachers. The new provision explicitly states that a person does not need to first attempt to escape or avoid a dangerous confrontation before using reasonable force to protect themselves or others. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date, which means it will not be retroactive but will apply to future incidents.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0624&ssn=0&y=2025