The days of changing the clocks twice a year could be numbered in Texas, as state lawmakers weigh whether to eliminate daylight saving time (DST) altogether. However, the debate remains over which system—standard time or permanent DST—should be adopted.
Under current federal law, states can choose to remain on standard time year-round but cannot independently adopt DST permanently without congressional approval. Most proposals in the Texas Legislature favor keeping DST year-round, aligning with the Sunshine Protection Act, a federal bill that has been introduced multiple times to make DST permanent nationwide.
State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) has filed Senate Bill 64, the only proposal that seeks to keep Texas on standard time year-round. She argues that eliminating the biannual time change would reduce traffic accidents, improve public health, and boost productivity. “By providing Texans with a stable, year-round time system, my legislation would enhance public safety, support business operations, and reduce confusion for families,” Zaffirini stated.
Her bill also includes a provision for a statewide referendum, allowing Texas voters to decide whether to stay on DST or standard time—though federal approval would still be necessary. Republican Sen. Paul Bettencourt of Houston has introduced a similar bill, reinforcing the push for public input.
Previous attempts to pass similar legislation in Texas have stalled before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott, despite his past support for adopting permanent DST. Meanwhile, at the national level, the Sunshine Protection Act continues to be debated in Congress.
Public opinion remains divided. A 2019 poll by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center found that 40% of Americans preferred permanent standard time, while 31% favored year-round DST, and 28% supported keeping the current system of switching the clocks.
With lawmakers and citizens split on the issue, the fate of daylight saving time in Texas remains uncertain.
