The bill amends Chapter 92A of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to expand the scope of civil liability protections for individuals who remove vulnerable individuals or domestic animals from motor vehicles. The new legal language specifies that "domestic animal" includes dogs, cats, and other household pets, while excluding livestock. Additionally, the definition of "motor vehicle" is clarified to encompass self-propelled vehicles and trailers. The bill establishes that a person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle to rescue a vulnerable individual or domestic animal is immune from civil liability, provided they meet certain conditions, such as ensuring the vehicle is locked, having a reasonable belief that imminent harm exists, notifying law enforcement, using minimal force, and remaining with the individual or animal until help arrives.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that immunity from civil liability does not apply if the individual was advised by law enforcement not to enter the vehicle after making a notification. The changes in law will only apply to causes of action that arise after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days following the end of the legislative session.

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