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2025 Texas Statutes
Penal Code
Title 2 - General Principles of Criminal Responsibility
Chapter 9 - Justification Excluding Criminal Responsibility
Subchapter E. Law Enforcement
Section 9.55. Use of Less-Lethal Force Weapon

Universal Citation:
TX Penal Code § 9.55 (2025)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.
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Sec. 9.55. USE OF LESS-LETHAL FORCE WEAPON. (a) In this section, "less-lethal force weapon" means:

(1) any weapon, device, or munition that is designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile or multiple projectiles against a target to temporarily incapacitate the target while minimizing the risk of serious bodily injury or death;

(2) a chemical dispensing device;

(3) a device used to strike a person; or

(4) a stun gun, as defined by Section 38.14.

(b) This section applies only to a guard employed by a correctional facility or a peace officer who is engaged in the discharge of the guard's or officer's official duties.

(c) A person to whom this section applies is justified in using force with a less-lethal force weapon against another when and to the degree the person reasonably believes the force was necessary to accomplish the person's official duties as a guard or officer and if the person's use of the weapon is in substantial compliance with the person's training.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 514 (S.B. 2570), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.

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