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Bill

HB 2879

Relating to the justified use of force, including deadly force, by certain persons on certain residential property or manufactured home community property.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 21 co-sponsors

HB 2879 expands Texas law on justified use of force, including deadly force, for protecting residential and manufactured home properties against intruders or trespassers.

Placed on General State Calendar
#aleahwallaceact(pm5kl) #crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610) #propertyinterests--propertyownersassociation(i0618)
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Bill Summary · HB 2879

Legislative bill overview

HB 2879 expands Texas law regarding justified use of force, including deadly force, on residential property and manufactured home communities. The bill modifies existing self-defense statutes to clarify or broaden circumstances under which property owners and residents may legally use force against intruders or trespassers on their land.

Why is this important

Self-defense and property protection laws directly affect criminal liability and civil exposure for homeowners. Changes to force justification statutes can significantly alter when Texans can legally use weapons to defend their homes without facing prosecution or civil suits, impacting both public safety and homeowner rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "justified" force: Disagreement over how much force should be permissible against trespassers or intruders, particularly whether deadly force is appropriate for property crimes versus safety threats
  • Duty to retreat requirements: Debate over whether residents must attempt to leave or de-escalate versus having an absolute right to stand their ground on their own property
  • Definition of residential property: Questions about which property types qualify (rental homes, mobile home communities) and whether protections apply equally to all residents versus only owners

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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