Relating to the use of deadly force in defense of property.

HB 3553 amends Texas Penal Code Section 9.42 to expand when deadly force may be used to protect property. It allows deadly force only to prevent specific crimes (arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft, or criminal mischief) or to stop someone fleeing after committing those crimes, and only if other means are impractical or would risk serious harm to the defender or others. The bill removes a previous nighttime restriction for property defense. It applies only to offenses occurring on or after September 1, 2025. This changes how Texans may legally respond to property crimes under strict conditions.