HB 2702

relating to prohibiting certain limitations on the operation of
certain organizations that benefit veterans during a declared state
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 418.012, Government Code, is amended to
Sec. 418.012.  EXECUTIVE ORDERS.  (a)  Under this chapter,
the governor may issue executive orders, proclamations, and
regulations and amend or rescind them. Executive orders,
proclamations, and regulations have the force and effect of law.
(b)  An executive order, proclamation, or regulation issued
by the governor under this chapter that restricts the operation of
or the hours of operation for a business that sells alcoholic
beverages may not include an organization exempt from federal
taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an
organization described by Section 501(c)(19) of that code, that
benefits veterans of the United States armed forces.  This
subsection does not apply to an executive order, proclamation, or
regulation issued by the governor during a natural disaster.
SECTION 2.  Section 418.012, Government Code, as amended by
this Act, applies only to a declaration of a state of disaster
issued or renewed on or after the effective date of this Act. A
declaration issued before the effective date of this Act is
governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date
of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.