The General Assembly recently passed legislation by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to strengthen the ability of Tennesseans to lawfully defend their property.
House Bill 1802 will allow the use of lethal force if immediately necessary to protect property where a person lawfully resides in certain circumstances, including to prevent arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery or aggravated cruelty to animals. There must be a reasonable belief that there is no safe alternative and that there is an imminent danger of death, serious bodily injury or grave sexual abuse, or that any other use of force would expose someone to these risks.
“No one should be forced to wait and watch while a criminal destroys a lifetime of hard work,” Capley said. “This legislation puts real authority back in citizens’ hands by delivering clear protections and preserving the fundamental freedoms that make our nation great. The Volunteer State will always stand with law-abiding Tennesseans over those that seek to exploit, prey on and dismantle what others have built.”…