(NEXSTAR) — As we approach November, the time is nearing when clocks will revert to standard time, signaling the end of daylight saving time. A few states aimed to bypass seasonal clock changes this year, but only two of them managed to avoid losing an hour of sleep this past Sunday.
Legislation has been proposed in most states—specifically, in 14 of them—to “lock the clock.” Interestingly, there are still bills pending in Congress that could either make daylight saving time a permanent fixture across the U.S. or allow states the power to determine their own observance of it. Some efforts to expedite these proposals have faced roadblocks, which has left many seasonal time proposals introduced at the state level hanging in limbo.
In fact, several bills have already been passed. For example, California recently recognized the “health benefits of permanent standard time,” while Pennsylvania is calling for Congress to eliminate the need for twice-yearly clock changes. However, similar proposals in other states seem to have stalled.
In addition, Maine and Texas have both passed legislation to keep permanent daylight saving time, awaiting federal approval to proceed. This adds to a group that already includes eight other states—Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Wyoming—that also haven’t introduced any new daylight saving time bills this congressional session.
Overall, around 50 bills related to seasonal time adjustments have emerged across various states this year. The legislative landscape as of October reflects a variety of laws and proposals at different stages.
Alaska
Four bills were introduced, with aims to establish permanent time options. Yet, none gained traction.
Arkansas
A proposal to make standard time permanent was rejected by the committee.
California
A bill to maintain standard time annually has not progressed beyond committee discussions.
Connecticut
A bill seeking to implement permanent daylight saving time has been tossed to the committee, pending action from neighboring states.
District of Columbia
Recently, language was approved to exempt local school districts from daylight saving time.
Idaho
A proposal to adopt permanent standard time if neighboring states do has been introduced.
Illinois
Various bills aimed at establishing permanent daylight saving time are still under consideration.
Indiana
Three bills are currently in committee regarding exemptions to daylight saving time.
Iowa
A bill to make daylight saving time permanent has been recommended for passage within a specified subcommittee.
Kansas
A bill proposing permanent standard time has moved through the Senate but now rests with the House, waiting until early 2026 for further action.
Kentucky
A proposal to keep the state’s standard time permanent remains in committee.
Maine
The law to observe daylight saving time throughout the year awaits federal backing.
Maryland
A bill to implement permanent daylight saving time was withdrawn earlier this year, leaving no further proposals active.
Massachusetts
Multiple bills are under consideration, both for permanent standard time and for daylight saving time.
Michigan
A proposal for an exemption from daylight saving time has seen no movement since it was referred to committee.
Minnesota
A plan to establish permanent daylight saving time recently met with legislative roadblocks.
Mississippi
A proposal for permanent daylight saving time was declared dead in early March.
Missouri
A proposal would enable a shift to permanent standard time unless federal legislation allows for daylight saving time.
Montana
A plan to establish permanent standard time was discontinued earlier this year.
Nebraska
Two bills regarding permanent daylight saving and standard time were introduced but remain in committee.
Nevada
A bill to achieve permanent standard time passed in the Assembly but got stuck in the Senate.
New Jersey
A proposal for year-round standard time is currently under committee review.
New York
A number of bills related to daylight saving time have been introduced, though none have yet passed.
North Carolina
A bill for permanent daylight saving time was introduced earlier this year and is now in committee.
North Dakota
While there was initially a move for permanent standard time, no success has been found in legislative sessions.
Ohio
There are ongoing legislative efforts to urge Congress to enact permanent daylight saving time.
Oklahoma
A permanent standard time proposal received committee recommendations but failed to gather sufficient votes.
Oregon
Legislation is pending that would set most counties on permanent standard time, contingent on neighboring states following suit.
Pennsylvania
Proposals have been referred to committees regarding permanent standard and daylight saving time.
South Carolina
Two bills, one for each time observance option, remain under committee consideration.
South Dakota
A proposal for standard time failed to progress earlier this year.
Texas
Various bills aimed at establishing permanent time observance in either direction have not seen traction since the law was introduced.
Utah
A bill to create permanent standard time has been tabled indefinitely.
Virginia
Two separate proposals have yet to meet legislative success, focusing on either standard or daylight saving time.
Washington
A bill to adopt year-round standard time remains stuck in committee.
West Virginia
Two proposals are under committee review to eliminate daylight saving time altogether.
Wisconsin
A bill aiming to establish permanent standard time is also currently under committee review.
As it stands, individual states have the option to choose a permanent standard time, but a Congressional bill could lock in daylight saving time permanently. Without federal intervention or a widespread adoption of standard time, the clocks are still set to change back on March 8.
