Bill Expanding Property Defense Rights Heads to Governor

Legislation expanding Tennesseans’ ability to defend private property has passed the General Assembly and now heads to Governor Bill Lee.

House Bill 1802, sponsored by State Representative Kip Capley of Summertown, would allow the use of lethal force in certain situations to protect property where a person lawfully resides.

The bill applies in cases such as preventing arson, burglary, robbery, or aggravated cruelty to animals, and requires a reasonable belief that there is no safe alternative and that there is an imminent threat of serious harm.

Current law allows the use of deadly force in self-defense, but generally limits the use of force to non-deadly measures when protecting property alone.

If signed into law, the measure will take effect July 1.