Governor Abbott Signs "Texas Time Law," But There Is A Catch

Most logical people across the country have wanted to do away with Daylight Saving Time for years. Changing the clocks every six months not only is annoying, but it provides nothing. It has become a burden for people, and most are ready for one permanent time. There have even been hearings on the idea of getting rid of time changes in Washington.

The idea at least in Texas might be a reality at some point, as Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1393 this last week, a law that would trigger permanent Daylight Saving across both Texas time zones.

The "Texas Time Law" though comes with a bit of a catch. Scott Yates of the Lock the Clock Movement says this law is a good step, but it all rests with the movement at the federal level.

"It just says we would like to lock the clock and stop changing twice a year, but only if the federal government allows it," he says.

Think of it as a bill that is essentially a 'yes' vote. Texas, along with many other states, have passed laws like this signaling to the federal government that they want to have one singular time.

President Trump has signaled his support of getting rid of clock changes, as have many other lawmakers. Hearings on the subject this year surrounded which would be better, being on Daylight Saving Time or not, permanently.

So, there is at least momentum on the topic in Washington.

"It seemed to be pretty positive out of the Senate Commerce Committee, but it has a long way to go...it has to get through the Senate, the House, and get signed by the President," says Yates. "There is not a lot of organized opposition, it is just there is not a lot of clarity for a best way forward."

There was also a bill that was supposed to put the idea before Texas voters, which did not make it. Polls have shown most Texans agree with just one standard time and doing away with the turning of clocks.

But do not get too excited. As with anything in Washington, things move slow. To say it nicely. So do not go forgetting to adjust your clocks anytime soon.

"It is something people would really wish we would get fixed, but it is just a little bit more complicated than we would like...so we are probably stuck with it a couple more years," Yates says.

He adds that the idea having a lack of political constituency leaves it stuck int he gears of Capitol Hill.

But Texas has taken the necessary steps to make clock changes a thing of the past.