Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed a bill allowing deadly force to protect property. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026 and allows the use of deadly force when owners reasonably believe it is the only way to immediately prevent crimes such as burglary, robbery, theft, aggravated cruelty to animals and arson or the use of other force would expose the owner or others to a risk of death or serious bodily injury. However, deadly force will not be considered justified if the offender is facing away from the owner.
Gov. Lee Signs Bill Allowing Deadly Force to Protect Property
May 28, 2026 | 9:49 AM