This bill aims to clarify and expand the laws surrounding the use of force in self-defense in Minnesota. It eliminates the common law duty to retreat when a person is in a place where they are lawfully present, allowing individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, without the obligation to retreat. The bill also broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include various types of living accommodations and establishes a presumption of the right to self-defense under certain conditions. Additionally, it introduces new definitions related to self-defense, such as "forcible felony" and "reasonable force," and outlines circumstances under which the affirmative defense of self-defense may not be available.

Furthermore, the bill provides for criminal immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use reasonable force in self-defense, protecting them from arrest or prosecution unless there is probable cause to believe their actions were unjustified. It also establishes a presumption of immunity for individuals who use deadly force under specific conditions, while allowing for a pretrial immunity hearing to determine the validity of self-defense claims. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2025, applying to uses of force occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.06, 609.065