Texas would then join portions of Arizona and Hawaii as the other U.S. states that do not recognize Daylight Saving Time.

As an impetus for the legislation, Isaac cited studies indicating daylight saving time leads to more car accidents and heart attacks, as well as consequences such as lost productivity at work, school and elsewhere stemming from fatigue, decreased alertness, decreased motivation and tardiness.

A 2016 study from the American Academy of Neurology found that the rate of a specific type of stroke was 8 percent higher for two days following daylight saving time than other days of the year.

The study also found that people with cancer were 25 percent more likely to have a stroke within the two days following a daylight saving time. People 65 and older were 20 percent more likely to have a stroke during that period.

A 2012 study at the University of Alabama-Birmingham found a 10 increase in heart attacks during the two days following daylight saving time.

Researchers suspect disruption of the circadian rhythm—also known as the internal body clock—may be partially to blame.

According to the legislation text, the entire state—including the portions using Central Standard Time and Mountain Standard Time as the official standard time—would opt out of daylight saving time.

Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, filed HB 150, which also would have abolished daylight saving time.

During that session, legislators voiced concerns ranging from children’s safety to potential conflicts between football games and church services.

If clocks were permanently set back one hour, Sunday football games that normally start at noon would begin at 11 a.m., when many church are still holding services.

“I don’t want to miss church, and I don’t want to miss the Cowboys,” Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, said, according to multiple news outlets. “So what am I supposed to do?”

HB 150 was ultimately voted down 56-79 in the House during the 84th legislative session, but Isaac said he believes it is time for Texas to move forward from daylight saving time.

Isaac said although he hopes to get HB 2400 signed into law, the Legislature also has more pressing matters.

"It's something that's not a legislative priority," he said. "We have to pass the budget. That's one thing we have to do. But I have several constituents who are extremely passionate about this issue."

News and notes from the capitol

Community Impact Newspaper and The Texas Tribune have established a partnership to share essential updates during the 85th legislative session. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans ­ and engages with them ­ about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Property tax reform

The issue of property tax relief has been a popular talking point among state lawmakers, and legislation is taking shape. In the House, a new bill would reduce the maximum increase in taxes for a property—from 8 percent to 4 percent. It would also restrict debt service taxes to debt that has been approved by voters. A proposal with similar aspects is also being considered in the Senate.

The “bathroom bill”

After 13-plus hours of emotional testimony, largely in opposition, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted 7-1 to advance Senate Bill 6, known as the “bathroom bill.” SB 6, which now goes to the full Senate, would require people to use the bathroom in public schools, government buildings and public universities that matches their "biological sex." The legislation would also reverse local nondiscrimination ordinances that let people use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

Budget update

State Rep. John Zerwas, the chief budget writer in the Texas House, has proposed using $1.4 billion from the state’s savings account to pay bills coming due for a wide array of the state’s health and human services programs.

Professor recruitment program

Draft budgets by both the Texas House and Senate have zeroed out funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative, a project started by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015.

Convention of states

The Texas Senate approved a resolution calling for a convention of states to amend the U.S. Constitution, one of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s four emergency items.

School choice bill is in danger

State Rep. Dan Huberty, chairman of the House Public Education Committee, said recently  that school choice legislation has no path forward in the House.

Child welfare bills advance

After months of calls from advocates to take drastic measures, both chambers unanimously passed bills that would change how the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cares for vulnerable children.