Navigating Daylight Saving: The States Opting Out and Those Hoping to Permanently Adopt It

November 1, 2024

The practice of adjusting clocks twice a year is drawing to a close for many Americans this weekend, as Daylight Saving Time ends and Standard Time resumes. Though, a significant portion of the population will not experience the shift, and a push for a permanent change to Daylight Saving Time is ongoing, though currently stalled in Congress.

When Does Daylight Saving Time End This Year?

At 2:00 AM local time on november 2nd, 2024, most of the United States will turn their clocks back one hour. This signals the end of Daylight Saving Time and the beginning of Standard Time, meaning earlier sunrises and sunsets.The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established this twice-yearly clock change, providing states with the option to opt out.

A brief experiment with year-round Daylight Saving Time occurred in 1973 under President Richard Nixon, intended to conserve energy during an energy crisis. However, the measure was reversed after only eight months due to public resistance.

Which States Skip Daylight Saving Time?

Currently, Hawaii and almost all of Arizona remain on Standard Time throughout the year.U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also do not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Did You Know? Arizona partially observes Daylight Saving Time; the Navajo Nation,which lies in northeastern Arizona,does observe Daylight Saving time.

The Push For permanent Daylight Saving Time

Several states have expressed support for adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time, a move that would eliminate the need to change clocks twice a year. However,these state-level efforts require Congressional approval to take effect. States including alabama, colorado, Delaware, Florida, georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Oregon have already passed legislation to enable this change, pending federal action.

The “Sunshine Protection Act,” a bipartisan bill aiming for permanent Daylight Saving Time, has been introduced in Congress multiple times, most recently by Senator Rick Scott of Florida. Despite initial momentum, the bill has stalled in recent legislative sessions.

State	Observes DST?
Hawaii	No
Arizona (most of)	No
Florida	Legislation Passed, Pending Federal Action
Oregon	Legislation Passed, pending Federal Action

Former President Trump’s Stance

In 2019, Former President Donald Trump initially voiced support for making Daylight saving Time permanent, stating it was “O.K. with me!” However, his position shifted later, with a post on truth Social in December 2024 advocating for a complete elimination of Daylight Saving Time, citing inconvenience and cost. In March 2025, he described the issue as “a 50-50 issue,” acknowledging widespread division.

The History of Time Changes

The concept of adjusting clocks for daylight hours isn’t new. It gained prominence during world War I as a way to conserve energy. While the specific rules and dates have evolved over the decades, the underlying idea-to make better use of daylight-has remained constant. The debate surrounding Daylight Saving Time centers on its impact on energy consumption, health, and economic activity.

Pro Tip: Adjusting to the time change can disrupt sleep patterns. To mitigate this, establish a consistent sleep schedule, increase exposure to natural light, and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Daylight Saving Time

• What is Daylight Saving Time? Daylight Saving Time is the practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that darkness falls later each day.
• Why do we have Daylight Saving Time? Historically, the practice was implemented to save energy, but its current benefits are widely debated.
• When will Daylight Saving Time end in 2024? Daylight Saving Time ends on November 2nd, 2024, at 2:00 AM local time.
• Will we have permanent Daylight Saving Time? while several states have passed legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, it requires Congressional approval.
• What states don’t observe Daylight Saving Time? Hawaii and most of Arizona, along with several U.S. territories, do not observe Daylight Saving Time.

What are your thoughts on permanent Daylight Saving Time? Do you find the time change disruptive, or do you appreciate the extra daylight in the evenings?

Share your opinion in the comments below!

What potential challenges might school districts face in states adopting permanent DST regarding student transportation?

Navigating Daylight Saving: Teh States Opting Out and those Hoping to Permanently Adopt It

The Current Landscape of Daylight Saving Time

For over a century, the biannual ritual of “spring forward” and “fall back” has dictated our clocks and, arguably, our routines. But the future of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is increasingly uncertain. A growing number of states are questioning its benefits, with some choosing to opt-out entirely and others pushing for permanent DST. This article breaks down the current state of affairs, exploring which states are leading the charge and the potential implications of these changes. Understanding DST changes and their impact is crucial for residents and businesses alike.

States That Have Already Ditched Daylight Saving

currently, Arizona and Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time. However, their situations are unique.

* Arizona: Most of Arizona remains on mountain Standard time year-round. The exception is the Navajo Nation, which does observe DST. This decision was largely driven by the state’s hot climate; extending daylight into the evening wasn’t seen as beneficial.

* Hawaii: hawaii’s proximity to the equator results in relatively consistent daylight hours throughout the year, making DST needless.

More recently, the following states have passed legislation to end DST, pending federal approval (as interstate commerce is regulated by the federal government):

* Washington: Passed legislation in 2019, but requires Congressional action.

* Oregon: Also passed legislation in 2019, contingent on Washington and California adopting similar measures.

* California: approved a measure in 2018 to make DST permanent, also awaiting federal approval.

* Florida: Passed legislation in 2018 to remain on EDT year-round, but it hasn’t gained traction federally.

* Colorado: Voters approved a ballot measure in 2020 to end DST,awaiting federal action.

* Maine: Legislation passed in 2021, contingent on neighboring New England states adopting similar changes.

The key hurdle for these states is the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which allows states to exempt themselves from DST but doesn’t allow them to permanently adopt it without Congressional approval.

The Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

The movement to permanently adopt DST is gaining momentum, fueled by arguments related to:

* Energy Savings: While the original intent of DST was energy conservation, modern studies offer mixed results. Some suggest minimal savings, while others indicate potential increases in energy consumption.

* Economic Benefits: Proponents argue that permanent DST could boost retail sales and recreational activities due to longer evening daylight hours. The economic impact of DST is a hotly debated topic.

* Public Health & Safety: Studies suggest a correlation between the spring time change and increased heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents.Permanent DST could mitigate these risks. Concerns about sleep disruption and its effects on health are central to this argument.

* Improved Mental Wellbeing: More daylight in the evenings is believed to improve mood and reduce seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

States Actively Considering Permanent DST (as of late 2025)

Several states are currently debating legislation to end the twice-yearly time changes. These include:

* Pennsylvania: Multiple bills have been introduced, but none have yet passed.

* new York: Discussions are ongoing, with support from some lawmakers.

* Massachusetts: Legislators are considering joining the New England states in a coordinated effort.

* Ohio: Bills have been proposed, but face important opposition.

* Texas: While traditionally resistant, there’s growing discussion about the potential benefits of permanent DST.

The success of these efforts hinges on gaining bipartisan support and, crucially, securing federal approval.

The Role of Congress and the Future of Time

The Sunshine Protection Trust Act has been introduced in Congress multiple times, aiming to make DST permanent nationwide. However,it has faced obstacles,including concerns from sleep scientists and debates about the best approach.

the debate isn’t simply about whether to change, but how. Some argue for permanent Standard Time, citing its alignment with our natural circadian rhythms. Others champion permanent DST for its perceived economic and lifestyle benefits.

Understanding the Impact on Daily Life

The shift, or potential shift, away from DST will impact various aspects of daily life:

* Commuting: Darker mornings during winter months with permanent Standard Time could raise safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

* School Schedules: Adjustments may be needed to ensure children aren’t waiting for buses in the dark.

* Business Operations: Companies may need to adapt their hours and scheduling to accommodate the change.

* Travel: Coordinating time zones will become more complex if states adopt different timekeeping systems. Time zone changes will require careful planning for travelers.

Resources for Staying Informed

* National conference of State legislatures (NCSL): [https://wwwncslorg/research/surroundings-and-natural-resources/daylight-saving-[https://wwwncslorg/research/surroundings-and-natural-resources/daylight-saving-