TX SB1601

Adds a new definition of "violent felony" to the Texas Penal Code, covering felony offenses under state, federal, or tribal law that involve intentional or knowing use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or deadly force against any person

Expands the presumption of reasonableness for using force in self-defense to include situations where the person against whom force was used was committing or attempting to commit any "violent felony," in addition to the existing list of specific offenses

Expands justification for using deadly force to prevent the imminent commission of any "violent felony," broadening the current list that includes aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated robbery

Changes apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date, with prior offenses governed by existing law

Takes effect September 1, 2025