Duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of self or others eliminated.
HF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.
Bill status
failed
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Failed
Mar 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2025
Last action Mar 16, 2026
Floor votes · House Mar 6, 2025
How they voted
66–65
Failed
Total votes 131
Mar 6, 2025
D
Democratic64
100% Nay
R
Republican67
98% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
19
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Mar 6, 2025
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (66-65)
house
Mar 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report, to adopt
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy
lower
1 primary · 34 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Matt Bliss
RRepublican
Co
Ben Bakeberg
RRepublican
Co
Bernie Perryman
RRepublican
Co
Bidal Duran
RRepublican
Co
Bobbie Harder
RRepublican
Co
Bryan Lawrence
RRepublican
Co
Cal Warwas
RRepublican
Co
Dave Baker
RRepublican
Co
Dawn Gillman
RRepublican
Co
Drew Roach
RRepublican
Co
Elliott Engen
RRepublican
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