Texans will set their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, returning to standard time. The move occurs even though Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1393 in June 2025, which would create a year‑round daylight‑saving schedule known as “Texas Time.” The bill cannot take effect without congressional approval, and that authorization has not yet been granted.
Why the Change Still Happens
The Uniform Time Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, requires all states that observe daylight‑saving time to follow the federal start and end dates. Texas may adopt permanent standard time on its own, but it cannot keep daylight‑saving time year‑round without a federal amendment to the law. Until Congress passes such legislation, the state must continue the twice‑yearly clock adjustments.
Federal Efforts and Current Status
On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, by a vote of 308‑117. The measure would make daylight‑saving time permanent for most of the country while preserving an option for qualifying areas to remain on standard time. The House Energy and Commerce Committee confirmed the vote. The Senate received the bill on July 15 and referred it to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. No further action has been taken, and the bill has not become law.
Impact on Texans
When clocks fall back, sunrise and sunset will occur an hour earlier by the clock. For commuters in the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex, darkness will arrive roughly one hour sooner in the evening. Most smartphones and connected devices will adjust automatically, but residents should remember to reset clocks in cars, ovens, and other appliances that do not change automatically.
What Comes Next
Daylight‑saving time will resume on Sunday, March 14, 2027, under the existing federal schedule. If Congress eventually amends the Uniform Time Act to allow states to adopt permanent daylight‑saving time, Texas could then implement the “Texas Time” plan signed by Governor Abbott. Until that federal change occurs, the state must continue to observe the current schedule.
Local Perspective
Dallas residents have already weighed the trade‑offs of a permanent daylight‑saving schedule. A previous Dallas Express analysis noted that while evening daylight would be extended, winter sunrises could be delayed until around 8:30 a.m., potentially affecting schoolchildren and early‑morning commuters. The upcoming clock change serves as a reminder that the state’s desire for a year‑round schedule remains dependent on federal action.
For now, Texans should prepare their household clocks and enjoy the extra hour of evening light this weekend provides before the November shift.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
