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 force, the establishment of presumptions regarding imminent threats, and the clarification that individuals using force in self-defense are immune from criminal prosecution under specified circumstances. The bill also places the burden of proof on the state to demonstrate that a defendant's actions were not justifiable in cases involving self-defense. This legislation, titled the "Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2025," is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to incidents of deadly force occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.065