Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring this state to observe daylight saving time year-round.
If approved, this amendment would alter the current practice of switching between standard time and daylight saving time, potentially having significant implications for residents and businesses alike. Advocates argue that year-round daylight saving time would result in more daylight during the evenings, promoting outdoor activities and potentially benefiting the economy. Additionally, supporters believe it could lead to lower energy usage and fewer road accidents due to better visibility.
HJR94 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would require Texas to observe daylight saving time year-round. The bill seeks to amend Article XVI of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 74, which stipulates that Texas shall adhere to daylight saving time throughout the state, contingent upon federal authorization. The proposal includes provisions that it will apply to all areas of the state, regardless of their respective time zones, highlighting the intent to create a unified timekeeping approach across Texas.
A notable point of contention surrounding HJR94 is the necessity for federal legislation to enable this constitutional amendment. The resolution stipulates that the new time regulation will only take effect if the U.S. Congress passes a law permitting states to implement year-round daylight saving time, which raises questions about its feasibility and legislative approval at the federal level. Critics of the bill express concerns regarding the potential health impacts of extended daylight saving time and the disruption it may cause to existing schedules, particularly in regions where the time shifts are significant.