BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1422

By: Metcalf

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, which would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent in the United States for states who choose to observe DST year-round. H.B. 1422 seeks to ensure that Texans will no longer have to change their clocks twice a year by requiring the state to observe DST year-round if authorized by the U.S. Congress to do so.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1422 amends the Government Code to require the State of Texas to observe daylight saving time (DST) year-round in the entirety of the state, irrespective of time zone. The bill takes effect only if the U.S. Congress enacts legislation that becomes law authorizing the State of Texas to observe DST year-round.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Except as otherwise provided, September 1, 2023.