Will Daylight Saving Time Become a Thing of the Past in Texas?

A Texas lawmaker recently filed a bill aimed at putting an end to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the Lone Star State. Senator Jose Menendez from San Antonio told news4sanantonio.com, “I think it’s an outdated system. Let’s just pick one and stick with it.” In the process, however, reviews in committee for both the House version as well as the Senate version have seen their time expire.

This isn’t the first time a representative from any one particular state has submitted a request to repeal the practice of recognizing DST. According to a blog from the Library of Congress, the practice was first implemented in 1918 during World War I. It was repealed in 1919 and then reinstated again in 1942 during World War II. It was designed as a means for extending the work day and conserving fuel. Many people today believe it’s consistent with assisting farmers (making hay while the sun shines, so-to-speak), but others appear to be adversely affected by the change and are looking for a repeal. At present Hawaii and much of Arizona presently do not observe Daylight Saving Time, and states such as New Mexico, Wisconsin, and California have initiatives in review for its cancellation.

Photo: Wikimedia

In conjunction with Menendez’s initiative, Representative Dan Flynn of Van, Texas, proposed to do away with Daylight Saving Time, also saying, “I think it’s ridiculous. I see no reason to have it.” He was unsuccessful, however, in getting the plan approved by the entire state legislature. January 8, 2019, is when the start of the next legislative session is scheduled, but at present, there has been no word as to whether there is a plan in the works for re-filing this legislation regarding stopping Daylight Saving Time. It remains to be seen whether the practice of springing ahead in the springtime and falling back in the fall will continue in Texas as a result.