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Deadly force bill now on fast track to Governor Dayton

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Feb 24, 2012 at 4:22 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A bill that would allow citizens more freedom to use deadly force is now on a fast track to Governor Mark Dayton.

The Senate passed the bill Thursday with bipartisan support in a 40-23 vote after heated debate.

LAWMAKERS PASS CASTLE DOCTRINE: Read HF1467, expanding the right to use deadly force in protecting a home or dwelling

The bill creates a presumption that anyone who uses deadly force while in a home or dwelling does so believing themselves in danger of harm or death. It expands the definition of dwelling to also mean a hotel room, tent, car or boat.

Some Democrats and law enforcement groups shared concerns that the bill makes it harder to charge a criminal with murder and said it puts police in greater danger when entering homes.

Dayton has not said if he will veto the bill, but was concerned with police opposition.