H.B. No. 135 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code in Texas to provide civil liability protections 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" to refer specifically to pets like dogs and cats, excluding livestock. The bill outlines the conditions under which a person can enter a vehicle to remove these individuals or animals without facing civil liability, including ensuring the vehicle is locked, having a reasonable belief that harm is imminent, notifying law enforcement, using minimal force, and remaining with the individual or animal until help arrives.

Additionally, the bill specifies that individuals are not immune from liability if they were advised by law enforcement not to enter the vehicle after making a notification. The changes in law will apply only to causes of action that arise after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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