The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 609.066, subdivision 2, to modify the conditions under which a peace officer may use deadly force. It specifies that such force is justified only if an objectively reasonable officer believes, based on the totality of circumstances known at the time, that it is necessary to protect themselves or others from death or great bodily harm. The bill clarifies that the threat must be articulated with specificity and reasonably likely to occur without action from the officer, and it must be addressed without unreasonable delay. Additionally, it states that deadly force may be used to apprehend a person believed to have committed a felony if the officer reasonably believes that person poses a threat of death or great bodily harm.

Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits peace officers from using deadly force against individuals based solely on the danger they pose to themselves unless it is determined that they also pose a threat to the officer or others. The new legal language includes an effective date, stating that the changes will take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.066