House Bill 856 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the use of force, particularly focusing on the justification for using deadly force. The bill modifies Section 39-11-614 by replacing subsection (c) to clarify the conditions under which a person is justified in using deadly force. This includes situations where the individual reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent or terminate actions like trespass, arson, or serious harm to animals, and when no other means of protection are available. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition of "deadly force" in Section 39-11-106(a), specifying that it refers to force intended to cause death or substantial risk of death, excluding mere display or brandishing of a weapon.

Furthermore, the bill updates Section 39-11-621 to include protection of property statutes alongside self-defense and defense of third person statutes. It also removes subdivision (2) from Section 39-11-602 and modifies Section 39-11-616(a)(1) to change the language regarding the risk of causing death or serious bodily harm. The act includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the bill is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-11-614, 39-11-621, 39-11-602, 39-11-106(a), 39-11-106, 39-11-616(a)(1), 39-11-616