Texas Legislature

Spring Forward Forever? Texas Passes Daylight Saving Time Bill

The long-standing debate over daylight saving time in Texas may soon reach a turning point, thanks to House Bill 1393, also known as the “Texas Time” bill. The legislation, which has successfully passed through the Texas legislature and now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s signature, would eliminate the biannual clock changes and keep the state on daylight saving time permanently. However, even if signed into law by the governor, the bill cannot take effect unless Congress changes federal law to permit states to adopt daylight saving time year-round, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman.

Daylight saving time traces its roots to World War I, when Germany and Austria first implemented it in 1916 to conserve resources. The United States followed suit in 1918. Although often mistakenly credited to Benjamin Franklin, his 1784 satirical letter proposing to fire cannons at sunrise to wake “sluggards” was not a serious push for daylight saving time.

Critics of the practice argue that the twice-yearly time shifts are outdated and disruptive. Supporters of the “Texas Time” bill believe that ending the clock changes would reduce confusion, improve public safety, and boost productivity.

Under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, states are not allowed to adopt permanent daylight saving time. They may, however, opt out of the time changes entirely by remaining on standard time, a route taken by Arizona and Hawaii.

Texas now joins 18 other states that have passed similar measures supporting permanent daylight saving time, as momentum grows at the federal level to allow such changes. Until Congress acts, though, Texas will continue to spring forward and fall back. For now, the future of “Texas Time” remains on hold.

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

Elon Musk Reportedly Pauses Effort to Launch Political Party

Elon Musk is stepping back from his push to form a new political party, according…

15 hours ago

Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas’ newly drawn congressional seats

With Texas’ new congressional map on the verge of full passage, local elected Republican officials…

2 days ago

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxton aide turned foe, to run for Texas attorney general

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a…

3 days ago

Conservative Groups Fund Drive to Place Ten Commandments in Texas Schools

Starting September 1, every Texas public school classroom will be required to display a poster…

3 days ago

Capitol Evacuated Amid Protest for Rep. Nicole Collier

The Texas State Capitol was evacuated Tuesday evening following a reported threat made on social…

3 days ago

Trump Vows to Eliminate Mail-In Ballots, Despite Constitutional Limits

President Donald Trump has renewed his push to abolish mail-in voting, promising to sign an…

4 days ago

This website uses cookies.