BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3784

By: Larson

State Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There have been calls to give Texas voters the chance to weigh in on whether the state should continue to observe daylight saving time year-round or be exempted from daylight saving time altogether. H.B. 3784 seeks to provide for a referendum on this matter and the implementation of its results.

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. 3784 requires that a statewide referendum be conducted at the general election to be held on November 5, 2019, to allow the voters of Texas to indicate a preference for either exempting Texas from daylight saving time or observing daylight saving time year-round. The bill provides for the administration of the referendum.

H.B. 3784 amends the Government Code to exempt the entirety of Texas, effective January 1, 2020, from the provisions of the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 that establish daylight saving time. These provisions take effect only if a majority of the votes cast in the referendum are in favor of the exemption.

H.B. 3784 requires Texas, acting as authorized under federal law, to observe daylight saving time year-round. These provisions apply only if a majority of the votes cast in the referendum are in favor of that action and the U.S. Congress enacts legislation that becomes law that authorizes Texas to observe daylight saving time year-round.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Except as otherwise provided, on passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.