U.S. Moves Closer to Ending Time Changes: For over a century, Americans have adjusted their clocks twice a year, observing Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the spring and reverting to Standard Time in the fall. But now, the U.S. is moving closer to ending time changes altogether—a move that could have widespread implications across the country, from your morning commute to business operations, school schedules, and your health.
This potential shift is being driven by strong bipartisan support, increased awareness of the health impacts of time changes, and growing public frustration with the biannual disruption. With the reintroduction of the Sunshine Protection Act, both state and federal lawmakers are considering whether it’s time to make a permanent adjustment to how we observe time in the U.S.—one that might do away with the ritual of springing forward and falling back for good.
U.S. Moves Closer to Ending Time Changes
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Bill | Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 |
| Proposed Change | Make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide |
| Introduced By | U.S. Senator Marco Rubio |
| Public Opinion | 62% of Americans support ending time changes (YouGov 2023) |
| State Action | Oregon, Washington, and California coordinating regional change |
| Health Considerations | Mixed—Standard Time may be better for circadian health |
| Federal Bill Status | Referred to Senate Committee in 2023 |
| Official Source | congress.gov |
The end of America’s biannual time changes appears to be inching closer, with momentum building in Congress and the states. The question is no longer whether we should stop changing the clocks—but how we should permanently set them.
Whether the U.S. ultimately embraces permanent Daylight Saving Time or returns to Standard Time for good, the shift will have profound effects on public health, education, business, and personal well-being. With legislation like the Sunshine Protection Act on the table, Americans are well-positioned to enter a new era of timekeeping.
Keep watching the news, talk to your representatives, and start planning ahead. The next time you change your clock could very well be the last.
Why Do We Change the Clocks?
The history of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is rooted in the idea of energy conservation. First implemented during World War I to save fuel by maximizing daylight hours, DST was later reintroduced in World War II and eventually codified under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The goal was to make better use of daylight and reduce electricity consumption.
Today, most U.S. states observe DST, but there are exceptions: Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round due to unique geographic and climate-related considerations. According to current federal law, states can choose to opt out of DST and stay on standard time, but they cannot switch to permanent DST unless Congress approves the change.
Supporters of DST say it saves energy, encourages people to be outdoors in the evening, and gives a boost to local businesses like restaurants and retail. On the other hand, critics argue that DST disrupts our natural sleep rhythms, increases stress on the body, and may even contribute to negative public health and safety outcomes.
Legislative Momentum: Sunshine Protection Act
The Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 is the most recent version of a federal proposal designed to end the clock-changing ritual by making DST permanent. Originally introduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, the bill first gained traction in 2022 but failed to make it through the House of Representatives. Its 2023 revival has reignited national interest.
What the bill would do:
- Eliminate the need for Americans to adjust clocks twice a year
- Establish Daylight Saving Time as the new permanent time standard
- Exempt Hawaii and most of Arizona, which already follow standard time
- Coordinate with state-level legislation already passed in several states
The bill currently sits with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, awaiting further discussion and a potential vote. You can monitor its status at Congress.gov.
State-Level Efforts: A Regional Push for Change
Although federal law governs time changes, many states have passed their own legislation showing support for permanent DST, creating a growing movement that spans coast to coast.
Leading states:
- Oregon, Washington, and California passed bills approving permanent DST, contingent on federal authorization.
- Florida has also approved its version and is waiting on Congress to act.
- More than 20 other states have passed similar legislation or resolutions expressing support.
One recent development came in March 2025, when the Oregon Senate passed Senate Bill 1038, signaling the state’s readiness to adopt either permanent standard or daylight saving time, depending on the direction of neighboring states and federal laws. This creates an interconnected regional approach designed to avoid confusion between bordering states. More details can be found at the Statesman Journal.
What Would This Mean for You?
The average person may not think twice about resetting the clocks twice a year—until you realize how the time shift affects your sleep, routine, and even safety. So, what happens if the U.S. eliminates clock changes for good?
Day-to-day changes include:
- No more clock changes: A huge convenience for families, schools, and businesses
- Longer evenings: Enjoy more sunlight after work or school during winter months
- Darker mornings: Especially in the winter, sunrises could be pushed to 8 a.m. or later
- Improved sleep consistency: Eliminating time changes may help with sleep hygiene and mood regulation
However, there are challenges:
- School-age children may need to travel in the dark in winter
- Some commuters will face longer periods of darkness during morning travel
- Industries that depend on early daylight—like agriculture—could be impacted
What the Research Says
Health professionals and researchers have mixed views on which time—DST or Standard—is best for public health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has stated that Standard Time is more aligned with our body’s internal clock.
Key health findings:
- DST is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular events shortly after the spring time change
- A spike in sleep deprivation, workplace injuries, and mood disorders has been observed after time shifts
- Permanent Standard Time may reduce these health risks by allowing for better sleep alignment
However, supporters of DST counter that having more daylight in the evening encourages outdoor activity, reduces crime, and can positively affect mental well-being by increasing sun exposure later in the day.
Ultimately, experts agree on one thing: consistency is better than changing clocks twice a year.
Impact on Industry, Schools, and Safety
Business & Transportation
Industries that operate across state or international lines—such as airlines, shipping companies, and financial institutions—would benefit from standardized time without biannual changes. However, there may be some upfront adjustments required to global scheduling systems.
Education Sector
School districts may need to re-evaluate start times and transportation safety, particularly in rural or northern regions where children would begin their day in the dark.
Health & Public Safety
Public safety officials believe eliminating time changes could reduce traffic accidents, especially in the days immediately following the shift. Sleep deprivation and body clock misalignment have been linked to poor decision-making, irritability, and higher accident rates.
FAQs On U.S. Moves Closer to Ending Time Changes
Q1: What will happen if the Sunshine Protection Act becomes law?
If passed, DST would become the new permanent time, and Americans would no longer change their clocks in March and November.
Q2: Can my state make this decision independently?
States can already opt out of DST and stay on Standard Time, but they cannot make DST permanent without congressional approval.
Q3: When might this change go into effect?
If enacted in 2025, the new permanent time standard could begin as early as November 2025 or March 2026.
Q4: Will Arizona and Hawaii follow this law?
No. These states already remain on Standard Time and would be allowed to continue doing so.
Q5: How can I influence this change?
You can contact your federal lawmakers via Congress.gov to express your views.
What’s Next in the Process?
- Committee Review – The Senate Commerce Committee must debate and approve the bill.
- Full Senate Vote – A majority vote is required.
- House of Representatives – The bill must pass in the House.
- Presidential Approval – The President signs it into law.
- Implementation – Managed by the Department of Transportation, changes could roll out within a year of passage.
