NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to strengthen the ability of Tennesseans to lawfully defend their property.
House Bill 1802 would allow the use of deadly 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 deadly force is necessary and that there is no safe alternative.
“The right to defend ourselves, our families and our property is fundamental to the freedoms and safety we all value,” said Capley. “Tennessee will never allow criminals to prey on law-abiding residents through weaknesses in the law. This critical step supports victims, especially in rural communities where law enforcement response times are understandably longer, and ensures all Tennesseans can reasonably protect what they’ve worked their lives to build.”
While Tennessee is a Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine state, allowing residents to use deadly force in self-defense and against home intruders, residents are limited to threatening or using non-deadly force against another to protect private property.
Capley’s proposal strengthens Tennesseans’ right to protect their property by establishing clear, reasonable standards.
House Bill 1802 is scheduled for consideration by the Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.
State Rep. Kip Capley represents District 71 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Wayne and part of Hardin, Lawrence and Maury counties.