Understanding ‘Kyle’s Law': Protecting Gun Owners Acting In Self Defense in Texas

A new bill working its way through the Texas Legislature could change the way self-defense cases are handled in civil court. House Bill 170, known as Kyle’s Law, was recently heard by the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee, and supporters say it’s about protecting responsible gun owners from being financially ruined for defending themselves.

Authored by Representative Ryan Guillen (R–Rio Grande City), the bill is designed to prevent law-abiding Texans from facing costly lawsuits after they’re cleared of criminal wrongdoing in self-defense cases. The bill would apply to individuals who are not indicted by a grand jury, have charges dismissed, or are found not guilty at trial.

A companion bill, Senate Bill 1730, has also been filed by Senator Bob Hall (R–Edgewood).

During testimony, Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, told lawmakers that the bill ensures the right to self-defense is more than just a theory. “You don’t really have a Second Amendment if you can’t afford to use it,” McNutt said.

The legislation is named in part after Kyle Carruth, a Lubbock man involved in a controversial 2021 shooting that resulted in no criminal charges but led to extended civil litigation. In that case, Chad Read was fatally shot during a confrontation outside Carruth’s home. A special grand jury declined to indict Carruth, but civil lawsuits followed, leading to over $500,000 in legal fees and the loss of Carruth’s businesses.

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Supporters also point to the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, whose 2020 self-defense trial in Wisconsin ended in acquittal, but who still faces millions in civil suits. While Kyle’s Law wouldn’t help Rittenhouse—since his case was out of state—it’s meant to protect Texas gun owners if they go through a similar legal battle.

If passed, Kyle’s Law would grant civil immunity to Texans who lawfully use force in self-defense and are cleared criminally. It would also allow them to recover legal fees and lost income if they’re sued after being cleared, and aims to deter politically motivated lawsuits.

As of now, HB 170 awaits a vote in committee before it can move to the full House floor. The debate continues, but one thing’s clear: Kyle’s Law has sparked conversation across Texas about how far self-defense protections should go.