Regular Session
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
No amendments are required for Master Services Agreements (MSAs), employment contracts, or vendor agreements. This designation does not trigger force majeure clauses or alter government contracting deliverables.
No new certifications, mandatory training, or staffing adjustments are required. Human Resources departments may voluntarily choose to align internal communications with the designation, but this is strictly discretionary.
No new forms, filings, or documentation logs are required. You do not need to report observance activities to the Secretary of State or any other regulatory body.
Zero. There are no new state fees, levies, or surcharges associated with this legislation.
The "Shall" vs. "Must" Distinction:
Section 662.117(b) states the month "shall be regularly observed." In regulatory contexts, "shall" typically indicates a mandate. However, because the Legislature provided no enforcement mechanism, no penalty schedule, and no oversight agency, this language is legally interpreted as directory (instructional) for state agencies and purely voluntary for the private sector.
Our government affairs experts can walk you through this bill's specific impact on your operations.
Schedule ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
BILL ANALYSIS |
| H.B. 2703 |
| By: Raymond |
| Culture, Recreation & Tourism |
| Committee Report (Unamended) |
| BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The bill author has informed the committee that a month spent by Texans on common ground in celebration of patriotism to the nation would help slow the growing decline of patriotism in this time of division in the country, would serve as a reminder that we are all Americans who are united by our similarities rather than divided by our differences, and would bring the people of Texas together despite their differences. H.B. 2703 seeks to promote patriotism and encourage a mutual regard for the values and principles upon which the nation was founded by designating July as American Patriotism Month.
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| CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
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| RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
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| ANALYSIS H.B. 2703 amends the Government Code to designate July as American Patriotism Month to celebrate the United States of America, honor the values and principles on which it was founded, and recognize the following: ·the brave patriots who fought for the right of self-governance in the American War of Independence and those who volunteered to serve the country in every conflict fought since the country's founding; ·the founding fathers of the United States and the framers of the constitution; ·the astronauts who won the space race and walked on the moon, and the people who supported them; ·the civil rights leaders and activists who risked their lives to fight for equal rights for all Americans; and ·the resilience, patriotism, and unity shown by the American people after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. The bill requires American Patriotism Month to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities that help citizens develop a sense of national pride and national identity.
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| EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.
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| H.B. No. 2703 | ||
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| relating to designating July as American Patriotism Month. | ||
| BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
| SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 662, Government Code, is | ||
| amended by adding Section 662.117 to read as follows: | ||
| Sec. 662.117. AMERICAN PATRIOTISM MONTH. (a) July is | ||
| American Patriotism Month to: | ||
| (1) celebrate the United States of America and honor | ||
| the values and principles on which it was founded; and | ||
| (2) recognize: | ||
| (A) the brave patriots who fought for the right | ||
| of self-governance in the American War of Independence and those | ||
| who volunteered to serve this country in every conflict fought | ||
| since the founding of this country; | ||
| (B) the founding fathers of the United States of | ||
| America and the framers of the Constitution; | ||
| (C) the astronauts who won the space race and | ||
| walked on the moon, and the people who supported them; | ||
| (D) the civil rights leaders and activists who | ||
| risked their lives to fight for equal rights for all Americans; and | ||
| (E) the resilience, patriotism, and unity shown | ||
| by the American people after the September 11, 2001, terror | ||
| attacks. | ||
| (b) American Patriotism Month shall be regularly observed | ||
| by appropriate ceremonies and activities that help citizens develop | ||
| a sense of national pride and national identity. | ||
| SECTION 2. 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. | ||
| TO: | Honorable Will Metcalf, Chair, House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism |
| FROM: | Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | HB2703 by Raymond (Relating to designating July as American Patriotism Month.), As Introduced |
| Source Agencies: |
| LBB Staff: | JMc, TUf, CMA |
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Common questions about HB2703
HB 2703 designates July as "American Patriotism Month," effective immediately. This legislation is ceremonial in nature; it imposes no new operational mandates, fees, or reporting requirements on private sector entities. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: May 28, 2025 (Immediate).
HB2703 was authored by Texas Representative Richard Raymond during the Regular Session.
HB2703 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2025.
The compliance urgency for HB2703 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.
The cost impact of HB2703 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB2703 addresses topics including american patriotism month and holidays.
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