A Tennessee lawmaker has proposed legislation which would justify the use of deadly force when a citizen protects their property during certain crimes being committed.

State Representative Jay D. Reedy submitted House Bill 0011.

It states a person would be justified in using deadly force against another if they believe it is necessary in order to prevent an act of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the hours of darkness.

The bill would also allow for deadly force to prevent “the other from fleeing immediately after committing” one of the crimes.

The bill also states those using deadly force would have to reasonably believe their property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means or if the property being stolen would expose another to a “substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.”

If passed and made into state law, the bill would take effect July 1, 2021.