The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code by adding two new sections, 83.002 and 83.003, which address the recovery of damages for injuries resulting from the use of force or deadly force. Under Section 83.002, a claimant is prohibited from recovering damages for personal injury or death if a grand jury does not indict the defendant, if a court dismisses the criminal charges, or if the defendant is acquitted of those charges. This provision aims to limit liability in cases where the use of force is deemed justified in a criminal context.

Additionally, Section 83.003 establishes that a claimant who is barred from recovery under this chapter will be responsible for the defendant's court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in defending against the claim. The bill specifies that these changes apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after the effective date of the Act, with prior actions governed by the law in effect before this amendment. The Act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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