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 structures and locations where a person resides or intends to reside. Additionally, it establishes a presumption of the right to self-defense under certain circumstances, such as when an individual is confronted with unlawful entry into their dwelling or is faced with a forcible felony.

Key amendments include the introduction of new definitions related to self-defense, such as "reasonable force," "imminent," and "good faith." The bill also 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. 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 individuals claiming self-defense. 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