Law clarification on use of force in self-defense
This bill eliminates the legal requirement to retreat when using force in self-defense outside one's home in Minnesota. It expands the definition of "dwelling" to include temporary living spaces like tents, porches, and mobile homes, and creates a legal presumption that someone acting in self-defense was justified. The changes apply to force used on or after August 1, 2025, and directly affect Minnesotans defending themselves in non-residential settings. The bill clarifies that reasonable force may be used without retreat when a person reasonably believes it's necessary to prevent imminent harm.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Feb 10, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Bill Lieske
RRepublican
Co
Andrew Lang
RRepublican
Co
Cal Bahr
RRepublican
Co
Jason Rarick
RRepublican
Co
Mark Koran
RRepublican
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