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.

SB 859 amends Tennessee law to create a legal presumption that a homeowner acted in self-defense when using force likely to cause death or serious injury against an armed intruder who is unlawfully on their property but outside the enclosed structure of their home (e.g., porch or yard). This presumption applies specifically when the force is used from within the residence or dwelling. The bill directly affects homeowners defending their property against armed intruders in these defined scenarios. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-11-611(c) and (d) to establish this new standard.