HOUSTON (KRLD) - Houston Republican Paul Bettencourt has introduced legislation that would eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which starts this weekend. His bill would put the issue on the ballot in November, he says the Uniform Time Act, passed in 1966 was enacted in part to save energy, but that studies have shown the effects are negligible at best.
He says it's important this goes to a vote.
"When you think of hot button public policy issues what usually comes to mind are things such as property tax relief and school finance and pension reform. However, the issue of Daylight Saving Time has roused passions on both sides of the debate for over 100 years," said Senator Bettencourt. "Giving Texans the opportunity to vote on the issue will settle the debate once and for all in the Lone Star State!"
If the voters approve, this would group Texas in with Arizona and Hawaii, the only two states that do not observe daylight saving time.
Says Bettencourt, "Instead of fall back and spring forward it would be a fall vote to stop a spring forward!"