The Case for Ending Daylight Saving Time in Texas

Estimated Time to Read: 4 minutes

Several Texas lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at freeing Texans from the twice-yearly ritual of changing their clocks. Under these bills, Texas would opt out of daylight saving time (DST) in accordance with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which permits states to exempt themselves from DST. If enacted, the legislation would take effect on November 3, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of that year’s daylight saving period.

The Merits of Ending Daylight Saving Time in Texas

Daylight saving time has come under increasing scrutiny due to its disruptive effects on health, safety, and productivity. The proposed legislation offers numerous benefits for Texans by eliminating this outdated practice:

• Better Health and Sleep Patterns: The abrupt clock changes in March and November disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep, fatigue, and related health problems, such as increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Staying on standard time could promote better sleep and overall well-being for Texans.

• Increased Public Safety: Studies show that accidents and workplace injuries rise in the days following the springtime shift to DST due to reduced sleep. Adopting standard time could improve safety on Texas roads and in workplaces.

• Economic Stability: Eliminating DST could boost workplace productivity by avoiding the adjustment period that often results in decreased focus and efficiency. Businesses may enjoy smoother, more consistent operations year-round.

• Public Support: Polls indicate that a majority of Americans—and Texans—favor staying on a single time year-round. This legislation reflects the growing demand for simplicity and consistency in timekeeping.

The Counterarguments for Keeping Daylight Saving Time

While many support the move to end DST, critics have raised valid concerns about the potential drawbacks of a permanent standard time:

• Evening Daylight and Lifestyle Impacts: Proponents of DST argue that extended evening daylight during spring and summer encourages outdoor activities, supports tourism, and boosts retail sales. Without DST, darker evenings could limit leisure opportunities and economic activity.

• Energy Savings Debate: Although modern energy-efficient technologies have reduced the impact of DST on electricity consumption, some studies suggest that DST still contributes to marginal energy savings, particularly in air-conditioning-heavy states like Texas.

• National Coordination Challenges: If Texas opts out of DST while neighboring states continue observing it, this could create confusion in interstate commerce, travel, and scheduling. Critics caution that a lack of uniformity may complicate daily life for Texans and businesses operating across state lines.

• Diverging Preferences: Some Texans might prefer permanent daylight saving time, which offers lighter evenings year-round, over permanent standard time. This preference could lead to dissatisfaction, particularly during winter months when evenings would be darker earlier.

National & Support for Change

The push to end DST is not unique to Texas. Recently, President-Elect Donald Trump expressed support for ending the practice, calling it “inconvenient and costly.” In a social media post on December 13, 2024, he stated:

At the state level, the Republican Party of Texas has included support for ending DST in its 2024 State Platform:

Plank 206. Daylight Savings Time: Texas should no longer participate in Daylight Savings Time.

Several lawmakers have already filed legislation ahead of the 89th Legislative Session, which begins on January 14, 2025.

• In the Texas Senate, State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) filed Senate Bill 692.

• In the Texas House, State Reps. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) and Pat Curry (R-Waco) filed companion bills, House Bill 1733 and House Bill 1736, respectively.

Notably, similar legislation has been introduced in past sessions but failed to advance beyond the committee stage. Additionally, some lawmakers proposed statewide referenda to let voters express their preferences on the issue.

Next Steps for the Legislation

If passed, the legislation would make Texas one of only three states—alongside Arizona and Hawaii—to opt out of daylight saving time. The proposed implementation date of November 2025 provides Texans ample time to adjust to the change. However, the debate is far from over, and the final decision on DST in Texas remains uncertain.

Conclusion: Why This Matters

The conversation around daylight saving time is about more than just clocks; it’s about health, safety, and economic stability. Whether Texans support or oppose these changes, the proposed legislation represents a significant step in reevaluating this long-standing practice.

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