As daylight saving time (DST) approaches its end, the discussion about its future is heating up in several states. A recent report from KTLA 5 in Los Angeles indicates that this November may not actually mark the last time Californians change their clocks, despite various efforts from lawmakers at both state and federal levels to eliminate DST altogether. Unfortunately, progress in this area has been minimal.
Twice each year, calls grow stronger for an end to the clock changes, with proposals suggesting a shift to either permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. Many states have introduced resolutions aimed at ceasing the biannual clock shifts, and some have even passed them. While most states favor maintaining daylight saving time year-round, they can’t make those decisions independently. U.S. law requires states to obtain Congressional approval for permanent daylight saving time, although they are free to choose permanent standard time, as demonstrated by Hawaii and much of Arizona.
Despite these hurdles, states are not letting up on their efforts. Numerous state governments, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Washington, have urged Congress to grant them the authority for permanent daylight saving time. Meanwhile, states like Alaska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas have recently brought this issue to their legislative sessions, though most of these bills have stalled for now.
Interestingly, several states have already passed laws requiring adjacent states to implement permanent daylight saving time under specific conditions. For instance, Delaware enacted a bill in 2019 that would compel the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to set the state on Atlantic Standard Time, provided Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland agree—essentially syncing with Eastern Daylight Time.
However, not every state is on board with permanent daylight saving time. Earlier this year, Idaho legislators introduced a bill stating that if neighboring states like Montana, Oregon, or California adopt permanent daylight saving time, Idaho will switch to permanent standard time instead. This bill is also currently on hold.
In Oregon, a Senate bill has been passed stipulating that if California and Washington agree, Oregon will transition to permanent standard time as well. Yet, this bill remains in the House. Voters in California previously supported switching to permanent daylight saving time, but the absence of a clear federal policy has sparked renewed calls for year-round standard time. Missouri’s attempt to introduce permanent standard time this November has similarly failed to gain traction.
Last year, multiple related bills were put forth in Congress but encountered significant delays. So, unless you reside in Arizona or Hawaii, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on November 3rd!
