H.B. No. 2702 aims to protect organizations that benefit veterans from operational restrictions during a declared state of disaster. The bill amends Section 418.012 of the Government Code to specify that any executive order, proclamation, or regulation issued by the governor that restricts the operation or hours of businesses selling alcoholic beverages cannot include organizations exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically those described by Section 501(c)(19) that support veterans of the U.S. armed forces. However, this protection does not apply to orders issued during a natural disaster.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the amended provisions will only apply to disaster declarations issued or renewed after the effective date of the Act. Declarations made prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. 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)