Ready for ‘Texas Time’, Not So Fast There Pardner

June 23, 2025 – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill that would establish “Texas Time,” a move to place the state on permanent daylight saving time. However, despite the bill’s signing, the change cannot take effect unless the U.S. Congress first amends federal law to allow states to make such a shift.

Under the bill introduced by Conroe Republican Will Metcalf, the standard time in the state will be referred to as “Texas Time.”

Under current federal regulations, states are only permitted to remain on standard time year-round unless Congress passes legislation granting flexibility to adopt permanent daylight saving time. Several states, including Florida and California, have passed similar measures in recent years, but all remain stalled due to the same federal restrictions.

Supporters of the Texas bill argue that permanent daylight saving time would provide Texans with more evening daylight, reduce energy consumption, improve public safety, and boost economic activity by giving families and businesses more usable daylight hours. They also point to studies linking daylight saving time to reduced crime and fewer traffic accidents.

Opponents, however, have raised concerns about darker mornings, especially for school children, which could pose safety risks.

While the bill signals Texas’s readiness to embrace a time shift, the change now hinges on Congressional action. Until then, Texas will continue to follow the twice-a-year clock changes along with most of the nation.