Texas lawmakers are once again tackling the decades-long debate over daylight saving time, as several representatives propose legislation aimed at ending the practice of changing clocks twice yearly. This effort seeks to address the annual disruption many Texans face, losing sleep every spring and gaining it back each fall.
State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) has taken the lead with her proposal, Senate Bill 64, which would allow Texas to adopt standard time year-round. This approach is consistent with federal law and aims to eliminate what Zaffirini describes as "disruptive and unnecessary." She argues, "The twice-a-year clock change is disruptive and unnecessary," emphasizing the adverse effects associated with seasonal time shifts, including increased traffic accidents and negative health outcomes.
On the other hand, Rep. Will Metcalf (R-Conroe) has files his legislation, House Bill 1393, proposing to adopt daylight saving time year-round. His bill gained bipartisan backing during the last session but faced hurdles in the Senate. Metcalf insists, "Texas doesn’t need to wait for Washington. By passing HB 1393, we’ll demonstrate leadership and send a strong message..." This sentiment reflects the growing desire among Texans for longer, brighter evenings.
The Uniform Time Act grants states the authority to exempt themselves from daylight saving time, enabling them to maintain standard time throughout the year. This has led to only two states—Arizona and Hawaii—opting out of the twice-yearly clock changes completely. Yet, other states, including Texas, are motivated to adopt one consistent time format, either year-round daylight saving or standard time.
Notably, the push to conclude the decades-old clock changing practice may gain traction amid shifting political tides. At the federal level, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Rick Scott have reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act. This act aims to establish daylight saving time as the permanent national standard, but similar efforts fell short previously when the U.S. House didn’t act on the measure.
Currently, Texas is operating on standard time and will transition to daylight saving time starting March 9, highlighting the impending decision before the legislature. The pressure to clarify Texas’ position on time is intensified by surveys from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which reveal divided public sentiment over whether to adopt one consistent year-round time frame. According to their data, roughly half of respondents support moving away from seasonal time changes altogether, with 26% opposed and 24% undecided.
Experts note the significance of aligning time with natural human circadian rhythms. David J. Earnest, professor at the Texas A&M School of Medicine, points out, “The key factor is... whatever time is adopted is regular from day to day, week to week, month to month.” His insights align with concerns about how time shifts particularly confuse vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Research links time changes to heightened risks of health issues, including heart attacks and strokes, along with disruptions to mood and increased likelihood of traffic accidents.
Both Zaffirini and Metcalf share constituents' frustrations with the current system. The need for legislative action reflects public concerns and calls for stability. Zaffirini remarked, "These concerns are part of why... many Texans have expressed frustration..." This statement underlines her commitment to ensuring voters have a choice as Texas navigates its future on time management. Through legislative discourse, Texas lawmakers are poised to not only engage with state residents on this personal issue but also reflect broader trends across the nation demanding consistency on time.