Minnesota Session Laws - 2001, Regular Session

                            CHAPTER 127-H.F.No. 783 
                  An act relating to crime prevention; specifying that 
                  peace officers' use of less lethal munitions does not 
                  constitute deadly force; amending Minnesota Statutes 
                  2000, section 609.066, subdivision 1. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 609.066, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEADLY FORCE DEFINED.] For the purposes of 
        this section, "deadly force" means force which the actor uses 
        with the purpose of causing, or which the actor should 
        reasonably know creates a substantial risk of causing, death or 
        great bodily harm.  The intentional discharge of a firearm, 
        other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and used 
        by a peace officer within the scope of official duties, in the 
        direction of another person, or at a vehicle in which another 
        person is believed to be, constitutes deadly force.  "Less 
        lethal munitions" means projectiles which are designed to stun, 
        temporarily incapacitate, or cause temporary discomfort to a 
        person.  "Peace officer" has the meaning given in section 
        626.84, subdivision 1. 
           Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
           Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment. 
           Presented to the governor May 16, 2001 
           Signed by the governor May 18, 2001, 12:22 p.m.