Texas Lawmakers Propose Statewide Vote on Year-Round Standard or Daylight Saving Time

Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) has introduced Senate Bill 2029 (SB 2029) and Senate Joint Resolution 67 (SJR 67), proposing a statewide referendum to let Texans decide whether to observe Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time (DST) year-round. The measure would be included on the ballot in the November 4, 2025, General Election.

“For years, Texans and Americans have debated clock changes, questioning their impact on health, safety, and the economy,” said 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.”

Key Provisions of SB 2029, SJR 67:

• Statewide Referendum: Voters will indicate their preference for either year-round Standard Time or year-round DST.
• Implementation Based on Majority Vote:
  • If the majority selects Standard Time, Texas will exempt itself from federal DST requirements.
  • If the majority chooses DST, Texas will adopt it only if Congress passes a law allowing states to make this change.
• Applicability: The decision would apply statewide, covering areas that currently observe Central Standard Time (CST) or Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Constitutional Amendment Requirement: The bill will only take effect 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 added. “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 of what time is chosen.”

SB 2029 will now move through the legislative process for consideration by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. If passed, Texans will vote on the referendum in November 2025. If approved, the chosen time standard will take effect on January 1, 2026.