Terry Meza’s HB 196 Bill

HB 196 removes “robbery, or aggravated robbery” from the list of attacks one is allowed to use deadly force against in Sections 9.32(a)(3)(B). But the use of deadly force with or without a firearm to prevent the loss of “tangible, movable property” is left intact in Section 9.41.

Texas has no duty for victims to retreat, but HB 196 would would require a victim to attempt to retreat in the face of an attacker before using deadly force, except when you are in your own home (Section 9.31(c)). This would eliminate the so-called stand your ground protection.

Below is what Terry Meza has tweeted regarding her bill HB 196.

“My bill HB 196 and my position on the Texas Castle Doctrine has been misrepresented in the news as of late. It does not repeal the Castle Doctrine, and it does not restrict homeowners from using firearms in self-defense as applicable to current Texas stand your ground laws. What my bill would do if passed, would require a homeowner to exhaust the potential of safely retreating into their habitation before using deadly force in defense of themselves or their property. I filed this bill because the castle doctrine as it currently exists emboldens people to take justice into their own hands. While theft is obviously wrong, we have laws to address that. I don’t believe that stealing someone’s lawn ornament should be an offense punishable by death.”

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/html/HB00196I.htm

ALERT FOR TEXAS: (D) HB-196 seeks to remove Castle Doctrine and criminalize homeowners who use firearms against home invaders.

Numerous Gun Control Bills Filed for Next Legislative Session