The proposed bill, known as the "Minnesota Stand Your Ground Act," aims to clarify the laws surrounding the use of force in self-defense situations. 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 may reside. The bill establishes a presumption of the right to self-defense, allowing individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, without the obligation to retreat if they are lawfully present. It also introduces definitions for terms such as "crime of violence," "forcible felony," and "reasonable force," and specifies that the act will take effect on August 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to provide immunity from arrest and prosecution for individuals who use or threaten to use reasonable force in self-defense. It outlines circumstances 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 legislation aims to protect individuals acting in self-defense while ensuring that certain conditions and limitations are in place to prevent misuse of the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.06, 609.065