The proposed 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 outside their home and expands the definition of "dwelling" to include various types of structures and vehicles where a person resides. The bill establishes a presumption of the right to self-defense, allowing individuals who are not engaged in illegal activity to use reasonable force, including deadly force, without the obligation to retreat. Additionally, it outlines specific circumstances under which the use of force is justified and creates a framework for pretrial immunity hearings for individuals claiming self-defense.

Key amendments include the redefinition of justifiable use of force, the introduction of new definitions related to self-defense, and the establishment of a presumption of immunity for individuals using reasonable force. The bill also specifies that a person is immune from arrest or prosecution for using force in self-defense, provided that the use of force is justified under the new provisions. 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