House Bill No. 2916 introduces a new section, 423.010, to the Government Code, establishing an affirmative defense for individuals who disable, damage, or destroy an unmanned aircraft. This defense applies to criminal prosecution under Sections 28.03 or 28.04 of the Penal Code, as well as to civil liability for such actions. To successfully claim this defense, the individual must demonstrate that they were on property they owned or legally occupied, used a legally possessed firearm to disable or destroy the unmanned aircraft, and were not prohibited from discharging the firearm under relevant laws or regulations.

The bill specifies that the changes will only apply to conduct occurring on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning any actions taken before this date will be governed by the existing law. This provision ensures that individuals are aware of the legal framework applicable to their actions concerning unmanned aircraft prior to the enactment of this new law.

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