Permanent Daylight Saving Time Gains Traction as 19 US States Await Federal Approval

Nineteen U.S. states have passed legislation to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), but they must wait for federal approval before making the change official. The initiative aims to end the practice of moving clocks forward and backward twice a year.

Florida led the effort in 2018 by becoming the first state to approve permanent DST. Since then, states including Texas, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington have followed suit. While state laws are now in place, federal legislation is required for them to take effect.

Proponents argue that staying on permanent DST could improve public health and safety, citing studies that link the biannual clock changes to higher risks of heart attacks, traffic accidents, and disruptions to daily routines for both people and pets.

However, political hurdles remain. A recent attempt to fast-track a federal bill faced opposition from Senator Tom Cotton, highlighting ongoing debates in Washington.

With nearly 40% of U.S. states supporting permanent DST, pressure is building on lawmakers to reconsider the country’s approach to clock changes.