Texas Senate Bill SJR59

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment abolishing daylight saving time in Texas.

Impact

If passed, SJR59 would fundamentally alter how time is observed in Texas, impacting various sectors including business, transportation, and education. Proponents of the amendment argue that abolishing daylight saving time could lead to increased productivity, better health outcomes, and improved time management for Texas residents. This move might also align Texas with states that have already chosen to abolish daylight saving time, thereby fostering a greater sense of regional consistency.

Summary

SJR59 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish daylight saving time in Texas. This amendment seeks to exempt the state from the Uniform Time Act of 1966, allowing Texas to remain on standard time year-round. The proposed bill outlines that both the central and mountain standard time regions within Texas would be included under this new regulation, thus eliminating the changes that occur biannually when clocks are set forward or back.

Contention

However, the bill does not come without controversy. Critics express concerns over potential disruptions that may arise from the transition to permanent standard time. Some argue it could negatively affect specific industries that rely on daylight savings for operational efficiency, such as agriculture and tourism. Additionally, there are apprehensions that adopting standard time year-round may limit daylight during critical periods in the evening, impacting outdoor recreational activities and energy consumption patterns.