The bill amends Section 83.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to provide civil immunity to defendants who use or threaten to use force or deadly force that is justified under Chapter 9 of the Penal Code. Specifically, it states that such defendants are immune from civil liability for personal injury or death resulting from their justified actions. Additionally, the bill establishes a presumption of justification and immunity from liability if a grand jury declines to indict the defendant or if a related criminal charge results in acquittal or dismissal.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, 83.002, which entitles defendants found immune under Section 83.001 to recover reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, lost income, and other expenses incurred in connection with the legal action. The changes made by this Act will apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while causes of action that accrue before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83.001, Penal Code 9.06 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83, Penal Code 9)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83.001 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83, Penal Code 9)
Engrossed: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83.001 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 83, Penal Code 9)