The Legislative Ranger
HB 169-171
11/24/2026
By Stephen O’Toole
Rep. Ryan Guillen [R-Rio Grande City] has introduced three bills—HB169, HB170, and HB171—that address topics ranging from economic development and self-defense law to chemical dependency treatment. Each bill aims to refine or expand existing systems in a way that could impact Texas in unique ways. Let’s take a closer look at these proposals, their potential implications, and the priorities they reflect.
HB169 is a straightforward bill that aims to establish a communications office within the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office (EDTO). This new office would be tasked with marketing Texas, promoting tourism, and preparing and distributing information about laws and programs relevant to business and tourism. It also allows for the hiring of a director and staff as necessary to fulfill these responsibilities. While the expenses of creating this office are a potential downside, the economic benefits from increased marketing and promotion could theoretically offset the costs. Overall, this is a low-impact proposal with little risk and a modest potential benefit. I rate this bill as low danger and low priority.
HB170 seeks to amend the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code regarding civil litigation related to the use of force or deadly force. Currently, individuals justified under Chapter 9 of the Penal Code are immune from civil liability when using force or deadly force. This bill expands that immunity to include the threat of using such force. Additionally, it allows for courts to award legal fees to defendants found immune under this statute, discouraging frivolous lawsuits. While I support the intent of this bill, I believe it could be improved by clarifying that the "threat" must be deemed reasonable and by ensuring that court costs and legal fees can also be awarded to plaintiffs in cases where their claims are found valid. Despite these refinements, the bill poses minimal risk as it only applies to legally justified situations. I rate this bill as low danger and low priority to pass, though some additional refinement would be beneficial.
Anell Borrego, 23, passed away tragically in 2020. She lived in Rep. Guillen's district of Rio Grande City.
HB171, known as the "Anell Borrego Act," is named in memory of a 23-year-old Rio Grande City woman who tragically passed away in 2020. While the specific connection between Anell Borrego and this bill is not publicly clear, the legislation aims to empower the justice system to better address chemical dependency issues tied to misdemeanor crimes. The bill allows judges to sentence individuals to court-ordered inpatient treatment at an approved facility for a minimum of 60 days, with early discharge permitted if the individual no longer meets the criteria for treatment. This is not a mandatory measure but provides an additional option for addressing the root causes of criminal behavior related to chemical dependency. I support this initiative as a sensible and compassionate approach to tackling a significant societal issue. I rate this bill as low danger and moderate priority to pass.
Rep. Guillen's legislative efforts reflect a focus on practical solutions across different areas of governance. From promoting economic development and refining self-defense law to addressing the challenges of chemical dependency, these bills each serve a specific purpose. While HB169 and HB170 carry minimal risk, HB171 stands out as an important step toward addressing chemical dependency with empathy and a focus on rehabilitation. These proposals demonstrate a thoughtful approach to legislative priorities, and we’ll be watching closely to see how they progress through the Texas Legislature.
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