Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

SB 859: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, specifies that a person using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury from within the person's residence or dwelling is presumed to have acted in self-defense when that force is used against an individual armed with a deadly weapon who is unlawfully present on the person's property and outside of the enclosed structure of the person's residence or dwelling. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11 and Title 40.

In committee Last action March 11, 2025: Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee

Plain-language summary

SB 859 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee Senate on February 5, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, specifies that a person using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury from within the person's residence or dwelling is presumed to have acted in self-defense when that force is used against an individual armed with a deadly weapon who is unlawfully present on the person's property and outside of the enclosed structure of the person's residence or dwelling. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11 and Title 40. Primary sponsor: Brent Taylor (Republican). Most recent recorded action (March 11, 2025): Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Brent Taylor (Republican).