House Bill No. 3267 amends the Texas Penal Code regarding the use of force and deadly force in defense of a person. The bill expands the circumstances under which a person is justified in using force by adding provisions that allow for the use of force in defense of any other building or vehicle where the actor is lawfully present, in addition to their own habitation, vehicle, or place of business. Specifically, it modifies Sections 9.31(a) and 9.32(b) to include these new locations, thereby broadening the scope of self-defense protections.

The bill also clarifies that the presumption of reasonableness for the use of force or deadly force applies when the actor is confronted with unlawful entry or removal from any lawful location, not just their own property. The changes will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 9.31, Penal Code 9.32 (Penal Code 9)