The proposed bill aims to clarify and expand Minnesota's laws regarding the use of force in self-defense and defense of one's home. It codifies existing self-defense laws while eliminating the common law duty to retreat when defending oneself outside of the home. The bill also broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include various types of structures and vehicles, and establishes a presumption of reasonable belief in imminent threat when a person unlawfully enters a dwelling or occupied vehicle. Additionally, it extends the rights of individuals defending their homes to include those defending their occupied vehicles.

Key amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.065, include the redefinition of justifiable use of deadly force, the establishment of presumptions regarding imminent threats, and the clarification of circumstances under which deadly force is justified. The bill also introduces provisions for immunity from criminal prosecution for individuals using force in self-defense and shifts the burden of proof to the state in criminal trials involving claims of justifiable use of force. The legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, applying to incidents of deadly force occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.065