TX SB1637

Amends Section 22.05 of the Texas Penal Code to exempt peace officers from the presumption of recklessness and danger when pointing a firearm at another person, provided the officer is engaged in lawful discharge of official duties

Creates a new exemption for peace officers from the deadly conduct offense (Subsection b(1)) if the officer was engaged in actual discharge of official duties and reasonably believed the firearm discharge was justified under Chapter 9 (justification defenses)

Changes apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025; prior offenses remain governed by former law

Passed the Senate 27-3 on April 9, 2025, and the House 102-41 on April 30, 2025, with Senate concurrence on House amendments by 28-3 vote on June 1, 2025