What Happened?

That time of year when the clocks are turned back is almost here. Although 19 states have passed permanent daylight saving time (DST) laws to try to avoid the time change, they cannot take effect because only Congress can authorize the law. ​

A report from the research branch of Congress examined the implications of a permanent daylight saving time observance.

Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states can already opt out of DST and stay on standard time year-round without asking Congress. Permanent DST is different: state laws locking in the longer-daylight schedule go into effect only "if and when such action is allowed by Congress," the CRS report states.

Daylight Saving Time, meant to provide more daylight for many Americans, currently begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. American Samoa, most of Arizona, Guam, Hawaii, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe DST at all.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Nineteen states have enacted permanent daylight saving time laws, but those laws cannot take effect without congressional authorization, which leaves them in legal limbo.

The push for permanent daylight saving time is broad: 47 states and the District of Columbia have introduced legislation for permanent DST, while 42 states have introduced legislation for permanent standard time.

States that want to stay on standard time permanently can do so right now without waiting for Congress. States that want to lock in longer evening daylight cannot.

Both Sides, Now

Lawmakers in 47 states and the District of Columbia have introduced bills proposing some form of permanent year-round daylight saving time, and 19 states have enacted such laws.

Opponents say permanent daylight saving time could leave children traveling to school in darkness on winter mornings, and they point to a National Bureau of Standards study that found statistically significant evidence of more morning deaths among school-age children during a four-month period of year-round daylight saving time.

Congress holds the sole authority to resolve the standoff. The CRS report describes no executive order or administration action on this issue.

What Happens Next?

The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 on July 14, and the Senate received it the next day. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where it sits with no vote scheduled.

A companion Senate bill was referred to the same committee on Jan. 7, 2025, and has not advanced. Until the Senate acts, the 19 state permanent-DST laws remain unenforceable.

The Senate Commerce Committee must advance the bill to a full Senate vote before it can become law.

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AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

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