TN HB0856

Expands justification for deadly force to protect property, allowing its use to prevent or stop trespass, arson, property damage, burglary, theft, robbery, or aggravated cruelty to animals/livestock when the person believes no other means would suffice or lesser force would risk death or serious injury

Adds "protection of property" (§ 39-11-614) to existing self-defense and defense of third person statutes for immunity purposes under § 39-11-621

Defines "deadly force" as force intended or capable of causing death or substantial risk of death, explicitly excluding display or brandishing of a weapon, or force that does not result in death or serious bodily injury

Raises the threshold for what constitutes a dangerous device/substance from "substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily harm" to "substantial probability of causing a substantial risk of death, protracted unconsciousness, or extreme physical pain"

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law