What States Are Getting Rid Of Daylight Savings Time

States Moving to Eliminate Daylight Savings Time

As Americans prepare to set their clocks forward, more than two dozen states are making efforts to eliminate the practice of changing clocks twice a year. The movement towards permanent daylight saving time or year-round standard time has gained momentum, with lawmakers in various states pushing for change. However, the transition is dependent on congressional action, which has faced challenges in the past.

States Advocating for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Lawmakers in 10 states have been advocating for year-round daylight saving time, a move already adopted by Hawaii and most of Arizona. On the other hand, more states are considering bills for permanent daylight saving time. If Congress passes a bipartisan bill allowing states to make the switch, over two dozen states, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, could implement permanent daylight saving time.

States Considering Year-Round Standard Time

Conversely, nearly a dozen states are exploring the option of transitioning to year-round standard time. States like Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont have introduced legislation to end daylight saving time. Oregon’s Senate has even voted in favor of a bill to eliminate daylight saving time.

Public Opinion and Health Concerns

Research has shown that the biannual time changes associated with daylight saving time can have adverse effects on health and well-being. Studies indicate that the disruption in sleep patterns during clock changes can lead to sleep deprivation, an increase in car accidents, emergency room visits, missed medical appointments, workplace injuries, and even heart attacks and strokes. Long-term effects may include mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Challenges and Roadblocks

Despite the growing support for ending daylight saving time, there are challenges at both the state and federal levels. While some states have passed measures to make the switch, they are bound by federal regulations like the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which restricts states from adopting permanent daylight saving time. Efforts to pass federal legislation, such as the Sunshine Protection Act, have faced obstacles in Congress, with bills being stalled or not brought to a vote.

State-by-State Progress

States like Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming have taken steps towards permanent daylight saving time. On the other hand, states like California, Connecticut, and Arkansas have also shown interest in transitioning to year-round standard time.

Future Outlook

As the debate on daylight saving time continues, it remains to be seen whether Congress will take action to allow states to make the switch. With public health concerns and economic considerations in mind, the movement to eliminate the practice of changing clocks twice a year is gaining traction across the country. The coming years will determine whether Americans will continue to adjust their clocks or enjoy more consistent timekeeping practices.