Federal lawmakers are again exploring the idea of making daylight saving time permanent, but what is the next step in that process?
This week, the full House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would eliminate the twice-yearly time change and would make daylight saving time the new standard time across the United States.
Under provisions of the bill, states could opt out of permanent daylight saving time if they choose to do so, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle praised the bill as having practical benefits.
“In my home state of Florida where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses and visitors alike,” Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis said.
Similar measures have passed before, but ran into stumbling blocks. This time around, President Donald Trump has expressed support for the measure, and it’s expected he would sign it if given the chance.
Here’s what to know about the bill, and what comes next in the process.
What is the Sunshine Protection Act?
Under provisions of the Uniform Time Act, passed in the 1960s, daylight saving time remains in effect from March until November each year, with the country operating on standard time during the winter months.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set the dates for daylight saving time as the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November, but lawmakers are seeking to abolish that twice-yearly time change.
The bill was passed by the Senate in 2022, but the House never took the measure up, so it did not go into effect. This time around, it was the House that passed the measure on a bipartisan vote.
What happens next?
It remains unclear if the Senate will take up the measure, but with the backing of Trump and Republicans controlling the chamber, it is possible that debate and a vote would be scheduled.
If the Senate passes the bill without amendments, it would then head to Trump’s desk, and he would be expected to sign it after signaling support for the measure.
“It’s time that people can stop worrying about the ‘Clock,’ not to mention all of the work and money that is spent on this ridiculous, twice yearly production. It will also be a very nice WIN for the Republican Party. Take it!” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.
Could states determine whether they would observe permanent daylight saving time?
Under current provisions of the Uniform Time Act, states are permitted to opt out of daylight saving time entirely, but they cannot have permanent daylight saving time. Currently two states opt out of daylight saving time, with Hawaii and Arizona keeping their clocks the same year-round.
The new Sunshine Protection Act would still allow states to opt out of daylight saving time and to observe standard time instead.
How did Illinois lawmakers vote on the measure?
The state’s three Republican representatives, Reps. Mike Bost, Darin LaHood and Mary Miller, all voted yes on the measure in the House.
The state’s Democratic caucus was divided. Reps. Nikki Budzinski, Sean Casten, Danny Davis, Bill Foster, Robin Kelly, Jan Schakowsky, Brad Schneider and Lauren Underwood all voted yes, while Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García, Jonathan Jackson, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez and Eric Sorensen voted no.
How would the measure impact the state of Illinois?
Since Illinois is on the far eastern side of the Central time zone, permanent daylight saving time would have significant impacts to sunrise during the winter months. Sunrise in the state of Illinois would occur after 8 a.m. for a period of nearly two months during the winter, with the winter solstice seeing sunrise occur at approximately 8:15 a.m.
Sunset would occur after 5 p.m. during those months, but some critics have argued the later sunrise would make school children less safe as they head to class in morning darkness.
How do experts feel about the potential change?
Despite the bipartisan vote to pass permanent daylight saving time, the move isn’t seen as a universal slam dunk. Sleep experts cite multiple studies that suggest adopting permanent standard time would be more beneficial to Americans than permanent daylight saving time.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has pushed for a switch to permanent standard time for several years.
“By causing the human body clock to be misaligned with the natural environment, daylight saving time increases risks to our physical health, mental well-being, and public safety,” Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, who is chair of the AASM Public Safety Committee and a pulmonary, sleep medicine, and critical care specialist at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, said in a statement. “Permanent standard time is the optimal choice for health and safety.”
Republicans have argued that having permanent daylight saving time would benefit businesses, and some experts have said changing clocks twice a year is detrimental to public health.
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