The bill, H.B. No. 2702, amends Section 418.012 of the Government Code to prohibit the governor from issuing executive orders, proclamations, or regulations that restrict the operation or hours of operation for businesses selling alcoholic beverages if those businesses are organizations that benefit veterans and are exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. This new provision ensures that such veteran-benefiting organizations are not adversely affected during a declared state of disaster, with the exception of natural disasters.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the amended provisions will only apply to declarations of a state of disaster issued or renewed on or after the effective date of the Act. Declarations made prior to this date will continue to be governed by the law in effect before the amendment. The Act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.012 (Government Code 418)
House Committee Report: Government Code 418.012 (Government Code 418)
Engrossed: Government Code 418.012 (Government Code 418)