Deadly force and self-defense provisions clarified, and duty to retreat eliminated.

HF 705 clarifies Minnesota's self-defense laws by eliminating the legal requirement to retreat before using force outside one's home. It expands the definition of "dwelling" to include occupied vehicles and their surrounding areas, and creates a legal presumption that a person entering a dwelling or vehicle by stealth or force poses an imminent threat. The bill allows Minnesotans to use deadly force without retreating if they reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent serious harm or death, including in their home or vehicle. It specifically codifies these protections under Minnesota Statutes § 609.065, removing ambiguity around self-defense claims. This directly affects residents using force in self-defense scenarios, particularly in home or vehicle settings.