New Texas Senate bill would let Texans vote on whether state observes daylight saving time

A new bill and joint resolution introduced in the Texas Senate by a Houston-area senator would give Texans the opportunity to vote on whether the state continues to observe Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time.

Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) filed Senate Bill 2029 (SB 2029) and Senate Joint Resolution 67 (SJR 67) which if passed would allow Texans to vote on a referendum on the matter in the Nov. 4 elections.

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“For years, Texans and Americans have debated clock changes, questioning their impact on health, safety, and the economy,” said Senator Bettencourt. “This bill puts the decision in Texans’ hands, just like Arizona and Hawaii, allowing them to choose the time standard that best suits our state’s unique needs.” He added

Key Provisions of SB 2029, SJR 67:

• Statewide Referendum: Texans will vote on November 4, 2025, to indicate their preference for either, observing Standard Time year-round, or DST year-round.
• Implementation Based on Majority Vote: If the majority votes for standard time, Texas will exempt itself from federal DST requirements. If the majority votes for year-round DST, Texas will adopt DST only if Congress passes a law allowing states to make this change.
• Applicability: The decision will apply to all portions of Texas that currently observe either Central Standard Time (CST) or Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Constitutional Amendment Requirement: This bill takes effect only if the 89th Texas Legislature passes a constitutional amendment authorizing the referendum.

“Texas families and businesses deserve the opportunity to voice their preference on this matter,” Bettencourt continued. “SB 2029, SJR 67 ensures Texas’ approach to time observation follows the will of its people, because I for one, would like to have one time a year, regardless what time is chosen.”

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SB 2029 will now move through the legislative process, where it will be considered by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. If passed, Texans will see the referendum question on their ballots in the November 2025, General Election. If approved by voters, the chosen time standard would take effect on January 1, 2026.