Bill > SF688

This bill modifies Minnesota's self-defense laws by significantly expanding protections for individuals using force to defend themselves, their property, and others. The legislation eliminates the common law duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, effectively allowing individuals to stand their ground when they are lawfully present. It broadly defines key terms like "dwelling" to include various types of living spaces and vehicles, and establishes a presumption of justifiable use of force when someone is defending against an unlawful entry into their home, vehicle, or workplace. The bill creates new statutory provisions that clarify when deadly force can be used, including when a person reasonably believes they are facing imminent threat of harm. Additionally, the legislation provides criminal immunity for individuals who use force in self-defense, requiring law enforcement to have probable cause that the force was not justified before making an arrest. The bill also introduces a new pretrial immunity hearing process where the prosecution must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the force was not used in self-defense. These changes, which will take effect on August 1, 2025, aim to provide more legal protection for individuals using force to defend themselves and their property.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0688&ssn=0&y=2025