Tennessee Republican lawmakers have approved a bill that expands legal protections for property owners, allowing the use of lethal force in a wider range of circumstances involving the defense of personal property. The measure now heads to Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, for possible signature into law.

The legislation, passed in the state House as HB1802 and in the Senate as SB1847, cleared both chambers this week along party lines, with Republican support and Democratic opposition, according to state media reports.

If enacted, the bill would permit property owners to use deadly force to prevent or stop actions such as trespassing, arson, burglary, theft, robbery, destruction of property, damage to livestock, or aggravated cruelty to animals. The change represents a significant expansion of the legal standard governing the use of force in property defense under Tennessee law.

Supporters of the bill argued that it strengthens legal protections for law-abiding citizens facing criminal activity on their property. State Rep. Kip Capley, the House sponsor of the measure, said the legislation is intended to clarify when individuals may act to defend what they own.

Capley framed the issue as a matter of balancing legal restraint with property rights, arguing that current law places excessive hesitation on property owners responding to intrusions or theft.

The bill includes limitations intended to define when lethal force would not be justified, including provisions restricting its use in certain circumstances, such as when a threat is retreating or no longer presents an immediate danger.

The measure passed the Tennessee Senate on April 21 and the House on April 23. If signed by Gov. Lee, it would take effect as part of the state’s revised standards for defensive force in property-related incidents.