1. Hist. A clause in the constitutions of some Southern states exempting from suffrage re-strictions the descendants of men who voted before the Civil War.
2. A provision that creates an exemption from the law’s effect for something that existed before the law’s effective date; specif., a statutory or regulatory clause that exempts a class of persons or transactions because of circumstances existing before the new rule or regulation takes effect. [Cases: Statutes 228. C.J.S. Statutes §§ 370–372.]
3. In a government contract, a provision that immunizes the contractor against any changes in federal law that would otherwise adversely affect the contract. • For example, the government may promise to cover any increased costs that arise from a change in the law, even though the contractor would bear them for any other reason.
4. In a construction contract, a general and inclusive provision that makes a party responsible for dealing with risks, whether expected or unexpected.
