Texas SB1601 amends the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to violent felonies.

Texas SB1601 amends the Texas Penal Code to clarify the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to the commission or attempted commission of a violent felony. The bill defines "violent felony" to include aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated robbery. It allows individuals to use force or deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves from the imminent commission of such a felony. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas SB1601 amends the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to violent felonies.

Texas SB1601 amends the Texas Penal Code to clarify the legal justification for using force or deadly force in response to the commission or attempted commission of a violent felony. The bill defines "violent felony" to include aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated robbery. It allows individuals to use force or deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves from the imminent commission of such a felony. The changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.