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 for individuals who are not engaged in illegal activity and are in a place where they are lawfully present. The bill also broadens the definition of "dwelling" to include various types of structures and locations where a person resides or intends to reside. Additionally, it establishes a presumption of the right to self-defense, allowing individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, when they believe it is necessary to prevent imminent harm.

Key amendments include the introduction of new definitions related to self-defense, such as "crime of violence," "forcible felony," and "reasonable force." The bill also provides for criminal immunity for individuals who use or threaten to use reasonable force in self-defense, stipulating that law enforcement cannot arrest such individuals unless there is probable cause to believe their actions were unjustified. Furthermore, it outlines the conditions under which the presumption of self-defense can be rebutted and establishes a right to a pretrial immunity hearing for those accused of offenses involving the use of force. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, applying to uses of force occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.06, 609.065