States have also proposed 550 individual bills or resolutions regarding time changes.
Senator Marco Rubio reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act a year ago, in an attempt to end the practice of changing the clocks forward and back in the spring and fall. The bill stalled in the Senate Commerce Committee. Representative Vern Buchanan, also of Florida, introduced a similar bill, which also remains in the House committee.
Supporters of the legislation claim that remaining on daylight savings would reduce crime, conserve energy, improve health, and save lives. They also see the benefit to the economy that more light in the evening could provide. Many medical professionals oppose the bill since it would enshrine daylight savings instead of standard time. They maintain that standard time is more in harmony with the human body’s circadian rhythms and would support better sleep cycles.
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 allows states to enact permanent standard time but not permanent daylight saving time. Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that remain on standard time year-round.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for members of the House and Senate as debate continues over the time change legislation.
- For state officials as they consider changing their laws to always remain on standard time.
Sources: The Hill, NPR
