Senate passes 'Texas Time' trigger bill for year‑round daylight saving; medical groups' concerns raised

Senator Bettencourt, State Senator, presented House Bill 13 93 to direct Texas to adopt year‑round daylight saving time (permanent DST) if Congress authorizes the change.

Bettencourt described the bill as a "trigger bill" waiting on federal legislation and said passage would position Texas alongside other states seeking permanent DST. "With passage of House Bill 13 93, Texas legislation will make it clear to side with the majority of Texans, and we'll bring state 1 step closer to Texas time," he said.

Senator Menendez and others questioned implementation details and the bill’s reliance on federal action. Senator Johnson spoke in opposition on public‑health grounds, saying medical associations and research caution against permanent DST. On the floor Johnson argued that "the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have determined that daylight savings time itself disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythms and affect sleep" and warned of increased traffic accidents and safety risks tied to darker mornings.

Johnson cited historical precedent: the U.S. trial of year‑round daylight time in 1974 was repealed amid safety concerns, he said. Bettencourt and supporters noted broad popular support and the need for a federal change before the state could act.

The Senate advanced the bill to third reading and later suspended the three‑day rule; recorded votes showed the bill passed third reading and final passage with 27 ayes and 4 nays.

The bill is contingent on congressional action; if Congress does not change federal law, the state change cannot take effect. Supporters framed the bill as reflecting public preference; opponents cited medical research and past problems with year‑round DST.