Nineteen states have already approved permanent daylight saving time, but those laws cannot take effect unless Congress changes federal law first. As the November 1 clock change approaches, the fate of a national push to “lock the clock" now rests with the U.S. Senate, where legislation appears stalled despite clearing the House earlier this year.
The growing number of states that have passed conditional daylight saving laws reflects a larger demand to maintain daylight saving time permanently. But with no Senate vote currently scheduled and lawmakers set to leave Washington before the next time change, Americans are still expected to turn their clocks back one hour on November 1. The debate over daylight saving time affects nearly every American.
While permanent daylight saving time would provide more evening daylight and eliminate the need to change clocks twice a year, some sleep experts and lawmakers have raised concerns that permanent daylight saving time could result in very late winter sunrises and mess with natural sleep cycles. The issue has gained renewed attention this year after the House passed the Sunshine Protection Act. President Donald Trump has also expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent, adding pressure on the Senate to act before the end of the year.
For Cities and States with Watchtowers, and hard to reach places, it costs Millions of Dollars.” So far, 19 states have enacted legislation or resolutions that would allow them to observe daylight saving time year-round if the federal law changes. However, several states attached conditions to their laws. Delaware, for example, requires neighboring states to adopt similar measures before its law can take effect.
While the Senate needs to take the next step, Trump has been vocal in his support for a permanent daylight saving time, saying it will lead to reduced crime and better health for Americans. "Leading Medical, Crime, and Economic Studies have shown that ceasing the biannual time change, giving us one extra hour of natural sunlight in the evenings, will help Decrease Robbery and Murder Rates, Reduce Car Accidents (especially those involving Pedestrians!), Lower Risk for Cardiac Issues, Stroke, and Seasonal Depression, Make It Safer for Children to Walk Home from School, Increase Time with your Family, Strongly Support Extracurricular Activities, Be a Big Boost to Sports, Fitness, Tourism, Retail, and the Restaurant Industries (and more!), and Save Money on Energy Bills, because everyone will be enjoying an EXTRA HOUR OF DAYLIGHT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act earlier this year, but the bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate.
While the bill remains before the Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, no floor vote has been scheduled. The legislative calendar could present a challenge as the Senate has only a limited number of session days remaining before lawmakers leave Washington in early October. Subsequently, they are not expected to return until after the November time change.
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