HF786 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Law on use of force in defense of home and person clarified, self-defense and defense of home laws codified and extended, common law duty to retreat eliminated in certain cases, boundaries of dwelling expanded, presumption created, and rights extended to others defending against entry.
Related bill: SF409
AI Generated Summary
The bill aims to update Minnesota's self-defense laws regarding the use of force when protecting oneself, one's home, or one's vehicle. It clarifies that individuals have the right to use force, including deadly force, without the obligation to retreat first when they believe they are preventing a felony, or protecting themselves or others from serious harm or death. The law will provide clearer definitions for terms such as "dwelling" and "deadly force," and it sets specific criteria for when and how force can be justified. It emphasizes that this use of force is not justified against lawful police actions or if the individual using force is committing a crime. The bill also states that individuals using such defensive force cannot be prosecuted if their actions are deemed justifiable under these regulations.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Codifies and extends Minnesota's self-defense and defense of home laws.",
"Creates a presumption for self-defense in case of unlawful entry."
],
"removed": [
"Eliminates the common law duty to retreat in cases of self-defense outside the home."
],
"summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.065 concerning the justifiable use of deadly force in defense of a home and person.",
"modified": [
"Expands the definition of dwelling for self-defense purposes to include occupied vehicles."
]
},
"citation": "609.065"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 609.06 is referenced concerning the exceptions to the intentional taking of life in self-defense situations.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the conditions under which force is considered justifiable for self-defense."
]
},
"citation": "609.06"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section referenced as part of definitions related to court orders.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "518B.01"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section defining restraining orders as part of the legal framework within the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.748"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced concerning no contact orders in definitions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "629.75"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Part of the list of offenses constituting a forcible felony.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.185"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Inclusion in the offenses list for forcible felonies.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.19"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Referenced as part of the forcible felony criteria.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.20"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Assault in the first degree is included in forcible felony definitions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.221"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Assault in the second degree as part of the felony list.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.222"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Inclusion of assault in the third degree in the forcible felonies list.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.223"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree included as a forcible felony.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.342"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Second-degree criminal sexual conduct listed as a forcible felony.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.343"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Arson in the first degree is recognized as a forcible felony.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.561"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Burglary in the first, second, and third degrees defined as forcible felonies.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.582"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Robbery included in the forcible felony list.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.24"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Robbery statutes as part of the felony consideration.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.245"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Kidnapping is listed as a forcible felony.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.25"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Definitions provided for terms like 'great bodily harm' and 'substantial bodily harm'.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.02"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Dwelling definitions include references to section 609.556.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "609.556"
}
]