ST. PAUL, MN – Representative Matt Bliss (R-Pennington) has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening Minnesotans’ fundamental right to self-defense. House File 13 eliminates the duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of oneself or others, ensuring that law-abiding citizens are not forced to second-guess their ability to protect themselves in life-threatening situations.
“Minnesotans should never have to weigh the risk of legal jeopardy when making a split-second decision to defend their lives or their families,” said Rep. Bliss. “My bill clarifies that when individuals act in lawful self-defense, they do not have to consider whether retreat is possible, which is nearly impossible to determine in the heat of a dangerous encounter.”
This legislation comes in response to a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that significantly restricted Minnesotans' ability to defend themselves without facing prosecution. Notably, former DFL Speaker Paul Thissen—now a Supreme Court Justice—dissented from that decision, arguing that, “Not only is the court’s decision divorced from the statutory text and unprecedented in the United States; it also flies in the face of human nature.”
The ruling raises serious concerns about public safety by shifting the burden onto victims of crime. Justice Thissen clarified that under this ruling, if a victim threatens an attacker when retreat is an option, they would be in violation of the law. Imagine a woman walking home alone at night. She wouldn’t even be allowed to grip her keys between her fingers for protection. Not only is she forbidden from using them to fend off an attacker but merely holding them in a defensive position would be considered a crime—brandishing a weapon.
Based on the current judicial precedent, individuals acting in self-defense may be unfairly prosecuted if they do not attempt to retreat, even when doing so could be unsafe or impossible. HF 13 provides legal clarity on when force is justified when used for self-defense.
“While no one ever wants to be put in a situation where they have to use force, the unfortunate reality is that violent threats exist,” Bliss said. “Minnesota law should prioritize the rights of law-abiding citizens over criminals. It’s time to fix the confusion caused by the court ruling and restore confidence in Minnesotans’ ability to protect themselves.”
After a fierce House Floor Debate, the bill failed to reach 68 votes, with all Republicans voting in favor of allowing Minnesotans to defend themselves and all Democrats voting against the bill.
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