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Senate Judiciary committee stalls bill to allow deadly force to protect property after hours of testimony
Summary
A Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee split over a proposal that would allow deadly force in some nighttime property crimes left the measure in committee after emotional testimony from survivors, law enforcement and advocacy groups.
The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee considered Senate Bill 14‑07, a measure that would have authorized a private citizen to use deadly force in narrowly described circumstances to prevent certain property offenses at night, but the panel did not advance the bill.
Supporters, led by Senator Todd Hensley, said the change was intended to give property owners an option when law enforcement response is delayed. "In rural areas it may take 15, 20 minutes for law enforcement to get to your house," Hensley said, adding that the measure would apply only when a person "reasonably believe[s]" deadly force is the only way to protect listed property crimes.
Opponents warned the change would invite more violence and create…
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