WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2029

Relating to authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing year-round standard time or daylight saving time.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt

SB 2029 authorizes a Texas statewide referendum allowing voters to choose between year-round standard time or daylight saving time.

Referred to State Affairs
#daylightsavingtime(i0210) #elections--initiative #referendum&recall(i0300)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2029

Legislative bill overview

SB 2029 would authorize Texas to hold a statewide referendum asking voters whether the state should observe year-round standard time or year-round daylight saving time. Currently, Texas observes daylight saving time in most areas (except parts of the state), and federal law allows states to choose permanent standard time but restricts permanent daylight saving time without federal approval.

Why is this important

This addresses a long-standing debate among Texans about whether the twice-yearly time changes disrupt sleep, health, and productivity, or whether extending evening daylight benefits commerce and recreation. The referendum would give voters direct input on a quality-of-life issue that affects daily schedules, business operations, and school routines across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal law limitations: Federal law prohibits states from adopting permanent daylight saving time without congressional approval, so a voter preference for year-round DST may not be legally implementable without federal action
  • Regional inconsistency: Texas already has areas observing different time zones; a statewide vote might conflict with some counties' preferences or create complications for border regions and interstate commerce
  • Referendum cost vs. benefit: Critics may question whether holding a statewide election is cost-effective when the outcome may not be fully implementable, or whether legislative action should precede a public vote

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.