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HF 13

Duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of self or others eliminated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Altendorf and 33 co-sponsors

HF 13: Duty to Retreat Eliminated in Self-Defense OverviewBill Number: HF 13 Title: Duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of self or others eliminated. Status:

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Bill Summary · HF 13

HF 13: Duty to Retreat Eliminated in Self-Defense

Overview

Bill Number: HF 13
Title: Duty to retreat before using reasonable force in defense of self or others eliminated.
Status: Authors added Scott, Roach, Lawrence, and Schwartz
Introduced: January 14, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HF 13 is to eliminate the legal requirement for individuals to attempt to retreat or avoid confrontation before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill's sponsors argue that this "duty to retreat" places an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens and inhibits their ability to protect themselves when faced with a credible threat of violence.

Key Provisions

  • Removes the legal requirement for individuals to attempt to retreat or avoid a confrontation before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others
  • Allows individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to defend themselves or others without first attempting to retreat, as long as they are in a place they have a legal right to be
  • Specifies that the use of force is justified if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a felony

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • This bill would primarily impact individuals who find themselves in situations where they may need to use force in self-defense or defense of others
  • Proponents argue it would empower law-abiding citizens to protect themselves without fear of legal consequences, while critics argue it could lead to an increase in unnecessary violence and escalation of confrontations

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HF 13 has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill will need to pass through committee reviews, floor votes in both the House and Senate, and potentially be signed into law by the governor before taking effect. The timeline for this process can vary, but it is typical for a bill of this nature to take several months to work its way through the full legislative cycle.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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