HB 2879: The Aleah Wallace Act – Protecting the Right to Self-Defense in Rental Homes

In Texas, your home is your castle—but for renters like Aleah Wallace, that right was nearly stripped away after she lawfully defended her children from a violent intruder. House Bill 2879, authored by Representative Carrie Isaac, seeks to ensure this never happens again.

The Story Behind the Bill

In December 2023, Aleah Wallace, a single mother of four from Fort Worth, faced a terrifying ordeal. After experiencing multiple break-ins, including one earlier that day, an intruder attempted to climb into her 8-year-old daughter’s bedroom window. Fearing for her family’s safety, Aleah acted in self-defense and used her legally owned firearm to stop the threat.

She was cleared of any wrongdoing by a grand jury—but just days later, she received an eviction notice. Why? Because her lease prohibited firearms on the property—even in cases of lawful self-defense.

Aleah was nearly forced from her home for doing what any mother would: protecting her children.

What HB 2879 Does

Moved by Aleah’s story, Representative Isaac filed HB 2879—now known as the Aleah Wallace Act—to close a dangerous loophole in Texas law.

If passed, HB 2879 would:

• Prohibit retaliation by landlords or property owners’ associations against tenants or homeowners who lawfully use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves or others on the premises.

• Invalidate lease clauses that penalize residents for lawful self-defense.

• Create an irrebuttable presumption that if a person is found not guilty, not indicted, or not prosecuted, the use of force was justified under the law.

This legislation ensures that Texans who act within their rights to defend life and family are not punished with eviction or loss of housing.

Legislative Status

As of May 15, 2025:

• HB 2879 has been placed on the General State Calendar, meaning it is scheduled for debate and a vote on the House floor.

• It was previously reported favorably as substituted by the House Committee on Trade, Workforce & Economic Development on May 2, 2025, with a unanimous vote of 10-0.

If enacted, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Why It Matters

Every Texan deserves the right to defend their home and family—whether they own their home or rent it. HB 2879 ensures that lawful self-defense is not met with housing insecurity.

Gun Owners of America proudly supports the Aleah Wallace Act. This is more than just good policy—it’s a moral imperative to protect those who protect themselves.

Let lawmakers know you support HB 2879 and the right to self-defense for all Texans—no matter where they live.