CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A new bill in Nashville could legalize the use of lethal force in defense of property by Tennesseans, and it’s been proposed by a Republican representing Clarksville.
The new legislation by state Rep. Jay Reedy, whose District 74 includes the western side of Montgomery County, would protect Tennesseans who use deadly force against someone suspected of property crimes against them, classifying such actions as self-defense.
Currently, Tennessee law allows for the use of firearms in defense of your life or someone else’s. However, the use of deadly force in response to theft could be considered a felony.
“So if somebody came to your property, was stealing your lawnmower, stealing your car, you would not be able to use lethal force,” Reedy told Clarksville Now. “I thought is was crazy that we could not use deadly force.”
According to Reedy, his bill is largely influenced by gun laws in Texas, which are more permissive regarding the use of deadly force.
A defense of businesses
Reedy said his bill was primarily inspired by the protests in downtown Nashville earlier this year in response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of law enforcement.
According to a tweet by Nashville Metro Police, approximately 30 businesses were damaged during the protests, and there was also damage to Nashville’s courthouse.
The impact on businesses included broken windows, damaged parking meters.
As of now (before sunrise) we count 30 businesses and buildings that the protestors (vandals) damaged in our city Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/twIX88auyY
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) May 31, 2020
Reedy, referenced damaged downtown Nashville businesses as an inspiration for his bill, claiming that his legislation would allow such business owners to use deadly force in defense of their establishments.
Reedy said on Friday he had not spoken with any of the affected business owners concerning the bill.
A long way from finished
Critics of Reedy’s bill have called it too vague, claiming the legislation could be used as a defense for any perceived threat of property damage or theft.
Reedy admitted that the bill remains in the early stages of development, but he believes that questions and concerns will be answered as the bill is refined to better fit the needs of Tennesseans.
“The bill is basically mirroring Texas law, but I don’t want Texas law. I want Tennessee law,” said Reedy.
The bill has yet to find a sponsor in the state Senate.
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