Bill > HF786

This bill clarifies and expands Minnesota's laws regarding the use of force in self-defense and defense of one's home, creating comprehensive definitions and protections for individuals using force to protect themselves and their property. The bill eliminates the common law duty to retreat, meaning individuals are no longer required to attempt to escape before using force in self-defense. It broadly defines "dwelling" to include various types of living spaces and vehicles, and creates legal presumptions that support a person's right to use deadly force when someone unlawfully enters their home or occupied vehicle by force or stealth. The bill establishes specific circumstances where deadly force is justified, such as preventing a felony in one's dwelling, resisting an imminent threat of substantial or great bodily harm, or preventing a forcible felony. Importantly, the legislation provides immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals who use force in accordance with these guidelines and shifts the burden of proof in criminal trials to the state to prove that the defendant's actions were not justifiable. The bill also explicitly defines key terms like "deadly force," "forcible felony," and "imminent," providing clear legal standards for self-defense scenarios. The new law will take effect on August 1, 2025, and apply to uses of deadly force occurring on or after that date.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0786&ssn=0&y=2025