H.B. No. 135 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code in Texas to establish limitations on civil liability for individuals who remove vulnerable individuals or domestic animals from motor vehicles. The bill expands the definition of "vulnerable individual" to include children under seven and individuals unable to protect themselves due to age or health issues. It also introduces the term "domestic animal," which refers to pets like dogs and cats, excluding livestock. The bill specifies that a person is immune from civil liability when they enter a locked vehicle to rescue a vulnerable individual or domestic animal, provided they meet certain conditions, such as notifying law enforcement and using only necessary force.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that immunity from 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, ensuring that any actions taken before this date will be governed by the previous law. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

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