As Congress weighs whether to approve the Florida Legislature's recently-passed measure to move the state to year-round observance of daylight saving time, the Florida PTA is weighing in, warning of potentially deadly consequences.

If daylight saving time were to be instituted during the winter months, the sun wouldn't rise in Tampa Bay until as late as 8:22 a.m., meaning most students who walk to school or a bus stop would do so in darkness.

"It’s not the will of the PTA as it will negatively impact the safety of our children in the morning," said the PTA's Legislative Committee in a tweet this week. "We don’t need more children standing in the dark waiting for a bus."

Criticism of the concept was largely muted during the legislative debate over the Republican proposal, which passed by wide margins in the state House and Senate.

Sponsors pointed to potential economic and health benefits.

"We'll be able to stay out later, go to restaurants, enjoy recreational activities, spend more time at home, throw the football with your kid when you get home from work," said Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R-Ft. Myers).

But a permanent shift to DST already faces long odds of meeting Congressional approval. Most other state requests to veer from the nation's federally-administered time zones have been denied, generally because of the potential for adverse effects on interstate commerce.

Some critics suggest the safety consideration is an even more compelling reason for Washington to say no.

"Our neighborhood, I wouldn't be concerned," said Dave Millinor, whose two children attend elementary and middle schools in St. John's County.

"Some other neighborhoods, I would have more concerns, the next school over, kids are walking along major roads. I would have concerns about that if my kids had to do that," he added.

Nonetheless, Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio has filed a bill — dubbed the 'Sunshine Protection Act' — to codify the legislature's decision.

"Reflecting the will of the Sunshine State, I proudly introduce these bills that would approve Florida’s will and, if made nationally, would also ensure Florida is not out of sync with the rest of the nation," said Rubio in a statement.