Is It Time to Stop Changing Our Clocks Twice a Year?

As the end of daylight saving time approaches on Sunday, Nov. 3, with clocks falling back an hour in the early morning, the debate around the necessity of this practice resurfaces. While most states adhere to the bi-annual clock adjustments, a few outliers, like Arizona and Hawaii, have opted out of daylight saving time altogether.

Congress holds the power to determine whether states can make the switch to permanent daylight saving time. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 mandates the use of daylight saving time but allows states to opt out and remain on standard time year-round. However, states are not currently permitted to establish daylight saving time permanently without congressional approval.

Recent years have seen a trend of states passing legislation in favor of year-round daylight saving time, a movement commonly referred to as “lock the clock.” According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states have shown support for this change in the last five years, with more considering similar measures in the near future.

Efforts at both the state and congressional levels have been made to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. Lawmakers like Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida have introduced bills like the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which aims to establish daylight saving time for the entire country. However, these bills have faced challenges and have yet to become law.

Until a federal repeal of the congressional act is achieved, the U.S. will continue to “spring forward” and “fall back” as usual. The current state-by-state efforts to transition to year-round daylight saving time underline the ongoing debate and the need for a unified approach to this issue.

State-by-State Efforts:

Alabama

In May 2021, Alabama passed a bill to observe daylight saving time permanently, pending federal approval.

Alaska

Alaska has introduced various bills in recent years regarding daylight saving time but has yet to make progress in adopting permanent changes due to legislative constraints.

Arizona

Arizona does not observe daylight saving time and operates on Mountain Standard Time year-round, with the exception of the Navajo Nation.

Arkansas

In Dec. 2022, a bill was introduced in Arkansas to adopt year-round daylight saving time, but the effort stalled pending further review.

California

California has made several attempts to pass legislation for permanent daylight saving time but has faced challenges in getting these bills through the legislative process.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin faced backlash in 2017 after attempting to eliminate daylight saving time, prompting legislators to retract the proposed bill due to public outcry.

Wyoming

Wyoming passed a bill in 2020 to allow for possible year-round daylight saving time, contingent on congressional approval and neighboring states following suit. However, subsequent efforts in 2023 did not materialize into law.

These ongoing efforts at the state level reflect the broader conversation around the necessity and implications of daylight saving time adjustments. While some states have made strides towards permanent changes, the ultimate decision lies with Congress to enact nationwide reform on this issue.