Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2029

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

Impact

If approved, the results of this referendum will determine the effective time standard for Texas going forward. If a majority of voters prefer standard time year-round, the provisions for that will take effect starting January 1, 2026. Conversely, if voters select daylight saving time, the implementation requires congressional approval to allow Texas to observe it year-round. Therefore, the bill sets a significant procedural mechanism for the state to align its time observance with the choice of its citizens, contingent on federal legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 2029 seeks to authorize a statewide referendum in Texas to allow voters to express their preference for either observing year-round standard time or daylight saving time. The bill amends provisions in the Government Code and aims to implement changes under the exemption provided by federal law concerning daylight saving time. Specifically, it will enable voters to choose between the two time observances during a general election scheduled for November 4, 2025.

Contention

The bill may encounter contention on the discussion of which time observance should be adhered to, considering that daylight saving time has traditionally been seen as beneficial in extending evening light and potentially boosting economic activities. However, there are arguments against daylight saving time regarding its effects on health and the disruption it causes in people's daily routines. Thus, the referendum aspect allows public engagement, but it also invites discussions on the pros and cons of both time observances and the implications of choosing one over the other.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 312. Construction Of Laws
    • Section: 016

Companion Bills

TX SJR67

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing year-round standard time or daylight saving time and authorizing the legislature to enact legislation that gives effect to the preferred option.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1297

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

TX HB1931

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

TX HB1101

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

TX HB1425

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

TX HJR100

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

TX HJR80

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

TX SJR68

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

TX HJR82

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing daylight saving time year-round.

TX SJR86

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing year-round standard time or daylight saving time and authorizing the legislature to enact legislation that gives effect to the preferred option.

TX HJR22

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring this state to observe daylight saving time year-round.

Similar Bills

TX SB1297

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

TX SB64

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

TX HB3784

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

TX HB1931

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

TX HB1101

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

TX HB123

Relating to observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round based on the results of a statewide referendum.

TX HB1425

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

TX SB471

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