Texas House Bill 196, proposed by state Representative Terry Meza, introduces a controversial “duty to retreat” clause that modifies self-defense laws, particularly affecting situations outside one’s property. While the bill does not repeal the Castle Doctrine—which allows individuals to use deadly force without retreating when in their own homes—it narrows when deadly force can be justified, particularly in cases involving robbery outside one’s residence.
This legislation has sparked significant backlash, with critics claiming it undermines Texas’s long-standing self-defense rights. Notably, the bill removes robbery from the list of crimes justifying the use of deadly force in locations other than a person’s home, challenging the “stand your ground” principles that many Texans value. To explore more about how HB 196 reshapes self-defense laws in Texas, click through to the full analysis.
Read full story at www.snopes.com
