SF 1196 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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
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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

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