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HF3130 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Law on use of force in self-defense clarified, common law duty to retreat in cases of self-defense outside the home expanded, and presumption of right to self-defense created.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of the proposed Minnesota legislation is to clarify and expand existing laws regarding self-defense and the use of force. Specifically, it aims to enact what's known as the "Stand Your Ground" doctrine. This would mean that individuals have no legal obligation to retreat when confronted with a threat in any place where they have a lawful right to be.

Main Provisions

  • Elimination of Duty to Retreat: The bill proposes eliminating the current common law requirement for individuals to retreat, if possible, when defending themselves outside of their home. This "Stand Your Ground" provision provides greater legal protection for those who use force in self-defense.

  • Expansion of Dwelling Boundaries: It broadens the definition of what constitutes a “dwelling.” This expansion allows the presumption of self-defense to apply to more areas beyond the immediate home, more explicitly covering personal property and spaces where an individual has a legal right to be.

  • Presumption of Right to Self-Defense: The bill establishes a presumption in favor of the right to use force in self-defense. This legal assumption supports individuals who claim self-defense in cases of threats or unlawful intrusions in their dwelling or private space.

  • Amendments to Statutes: The legislation amends sections of Minnesota Statutes 2024, particularly in sections 609.06 and 609.065, aligning them with the new provisions of the “Stand Your Ground” law. These changes codify the rights to use force in specified circumstances and remove restrictions on retreat.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Removal of Retreat Requirement: By eliminating the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, this bill modifies existing self-defense laws that previously included a requirement to attempt escape or retreat in situations of confrontation, except while inside one's home.

  • Clarification of Authorized Use of Force: The amendments to statutory sections provide clarity on when and how force may be lawfully used, particularly ensuring that the application of force is justified under the new parameters.

Relevant Terms

self-defense, Stand Your Ground, duty to retreat, dwelling boundaries, reasonable force, legal presumption, Minnesota Statutes, use of force.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 06, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
April 06, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expands the boundaries of dwelling for purposes of self-defense.",
        "Creates a presumption of right to self-defense outside the home."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates the common law duty to retreat in cases of self-defense outside the home."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill clarifies the law on use of force in self-defense under section 609.06, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "609.06",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

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