Weatherford, TX — The Texas House of Representatives advanced House Bill 170, also known as Kyle’s Law, on second reading Monday with a resounding 117-20 vote.
The bill, authored by Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City), garnered rare bipartisan support, with 79 Republicans and 38 Democrats voting in favor.
Notably, only three Republicans broke ranks and opposed the measure: David Cook (R-Mansfield), Carl Tepper (R-Lubbock), and Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress).
Their opposition stands in contrast to a broad coalition of lawmakers seeking to bolster protections for lawful self-defendants who are often ensnared in politically motivated prosecutions.
What Is Kyle’s Law?
Kyle’s Law is named in honor of Kyle Carruth, a Texas Gun Rights Life Member and current GOA Texas Legislative Director, and would also apply to situations like what happened to Kyle Rittenhouse, TXGR’s former Outreach Director.
HB 170 vs. SB 1730: A Tale of Two Kyles
While both HB 170 and the Senate’s SB 1730 by Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) share the same goal—protecting innocent people who use force in self-defense—the House version is stronger.
Texas Gun Rights has come out in favor of HB 170, citing its expanded and more robust language.
Unlike SB 1730, the House bill offers broader protections for individuals who are found not guilty due to self-defense or whose cases never result in prosecution.
Since the bills are not identical companions, each bill will have to pass through committee in the opposite chamber, with HB 170 heading to the Senate and SB 1730 to the House.
A Message to Prosecutors: Hands Off the Innocent
The passage of HB 170 sends a clear message to overzealous prosecutors and politically motivated actors: law-abiding Texans who act in self-defense should not be treated like criminals.
Supporters argue that Kyle’s Law isn’t just about protecting individuals—it’s about upholding the core principles of due process and the natural right to self-preservation.
In the current political climate, where defending yourself can lead to character assassination, financial ruin, and legal warfare, this legislation aims to shift the balance back toward justice.
As HB 170 continues through the legislative gauntlet, eyes now turn to the Texas Senate, where Texas Gun Rights is hopeful they will push the House Bill across the finish line.
