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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill sponsored by Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71) which would redefine the term “deadly force” to help better protect Tennesseans’ 2nd Amendment rights has been scheduled for the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday, 3/19.
HB0856 would “lower the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property” by deleting a subsection in Tennessee Code that does not allow the use of deadly force to “terminate” trespass or “unlawful interference with personal property.”
It would be replaced by verbiage that would justify deadly force if a person, “reasonably believes deadly force is immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the other’s actual or attempted trespass; arson; damage to property; burglary; theft; robbery; or aggravated cruelty to animals, serious bodily injury, or death to animals or livestock.”
Deadly force would also be deemed justified if a person “reasonably believes” the property cannot be protected, there are no other means by which to stop the trespasser, or by not using deadly force a third person would be exposed to a risk of death or serious injury.
The legislation would also revise other parts of Tennessee code to ensure citizens cannot be charged with deadly force for simply displaying or brandishing a weapon in defense of their property.
The House version of the bill has picked up 14 co-sponsors while the Senate companion, SB1407, is being carried by known conservative Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28). SB1407 still awaits a date before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
To contact members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee before their 3/19 meeting, please use the information below:
HB0856 Summary: As introduced, lowers the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property; specifies that deadly force does not include the display of a weapon, the brandishing of a weapon, or the use of force in circumstances that do not result in death or serious bodily injury.
Rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
