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SF 1695

Use of deadly force by a peace officer to protect a person from apparent death provision modification

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rich Draheim

Expands when Minnesota police may use deadly force by replacing "imminent" with "apparent" death/harm standard for protecting third parties.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#crimesandcriminals #lawenforcement #publicsafetyandpublicsafetydepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 1695

Legislative bill overview

SF 1695 modifies Minnesota's deadly force statute to clarify that peace officers may use deadly force to protect a person from apparent death or serious bodily harm, not just imminent threats. The bill adjusts language in the "defense of third persons" provision of Minnesota's use-of-force law to potentially broaden the circumstances under which officers can justify lethal force.

Why is this important

This modification could significantly expand when police officers are legally permitted to use deadly force, affecting both officer liability standards and public safety outcomes. The change from "imminent" threats to "apparent" death represents a meaningful legal shift that could influence how officers respond to situations and how courts evaluate those responses in litigation or criminal proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional ambiguity: "Apparent death" is less precise than "imminent threat," potentially giving officers wider discretion and creating inconsistent application across jurisdictions
  • Accountability concerns: Expanding justifications for deadly force may reduce officer accountability and increase litigation risk for municipalities, or conversely, may be seen as necessary protection for officers making split-second decisions
  • Racial justice implications: Police use-of-force laws disproportionately affect communities of color, and broadening deadly force justifications raises equity concerns despite being framed neutrally

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

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