As the days slowly lengthen, a familiar ritual is upon us: daylight saving time. This Sunday, March 8, 2026, most Californians will “spring forward,” setting their clocks ahead one hour at 2 a.m. While many welcome the return of longer evenings, the twice-yearly clock change remains a source of debate and frustration for a significant portion of the population.
The shift to daylight saving time means losing an hour of sleep this weekend, but it likewise brings with it the promise of more daylight during waking hours. However, the practice is far from universally loved. Recent polls indicate a growing desire to ditch the time change altogether, though Americans are divided on whether to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time. For now, the annual adjustment remains the norm for most of the country.
When Does the Time Change Happen?
Clocks will officially move forward at 2:00 a.m. On Sunday, March 8, 2026, becoming 3:00 a.m. This means sunrise will occur later, at 7:08 a.m. In San Diego, and sunset will be at 6:51 p.m., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NBC San Diego reports that sunset times will continue to get later, reaching 8 p.m. By the summer solstice on June 21.
Public Opinion and the Push to Conclude the Change
The unpopularity of changing clocks twice a year is well-documented. A 2025 poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that only 12% of Americans actively favor the practice, with 47% opposed and 40% neutral. Time and Date reports that a Gallup poll from 2025 showed 48% of Americans prefer permanent standard time, while 24% favor permanent daylight saving time.
California has already signaled its desire to end the biannual time shift. In 2018, voters approved Proposition 7, which would allow the state to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but only if federal law permits. Currently, nineteen states have passed similar legislation, but congressional action is needed to make it a reality.
Federal Stalemates and Proposed Solutions
Despite widespread support for change, federal legislation has stalled. Numerous bills have been introduced over the past decade to make daylight saving time permanent, but lawmakers have struggled to reach a consensus. Some support permanent daylight saving time for the later sunsets it provides, while others point to potential economic benefits, such as a boost in credit card spending. However, sleep scientists and medical groups generally advocate for permanent standard time, citing its alignment with human circadian rhythms and reduced health risks, including potential increases in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and strokes associated with the “spring forward.”
In 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the Senate but ultimately failed to gain traction in the House. Former President Trump also urged Congress to make daylight saving time permanent in 2025, calling the changes a “massive inconvenience” and “very costly.” Current federal law does not allow states to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but it does permit them to switch to permanent standard time – a path taken by Arizona and Hawaii.
Current Legislative Efforts
California State Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) recently introduced Senate Bill 1197, aiming to establish permanent standard time in the Golden State. This is a reintroduction of a similar bill that failed to pass last year. At the federal level, Representative Gregory W. Steube (R-Florida) has proposed HR 7378, suggesting a compromise by permanently shifting the clock forward by a half-hour. Edhat.com details these ongoing efforts.
Whether these legislative attempts will succeed remains to be seen. For now, Californians – and most Americans – will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year.
As we prepare to “spring forward” this weekend, it’s a fine time to check your clocks and adjust your routines. What are your thoughts on daylight saving time? Share your opinions in the comments below.
