States Pushing to Stop Time Changes
Daylight savings time (DST) has been a topic of debate for years, but many people still wonder: when does daylight savings time end permanently? Some U.S. states are pushing to scrap the twice-yearly time change, arguing it’s outdated and disruptive. Let’s explore which states want to stop switching clocks and what’s standing in their way.
What Is Daylight Savings Time?
Daylight savings time is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour in the spring (“spring forward”) and back by one hour in the fall (“fall back”). This gives more daylight in the evenings during warmer months. The U.S. adopted DST during World War I to save energy, but today, many critics say it causes more problems than benefits.
Why Do People Want to End DST?
Studies show that changing clocks twice a year can mess with sleep schedules, leading to health issues like heart problems or depression. It’s also linked to more car accidents and workplace mistakes in the days after the time change. Parents complain it disrupts kids’ routines, and farmers argue it complicates their schedules. Because of these issues, over 30 states have proposed laws to stop switching clocks but there’s a catch.
Which States Want Permanent Daylight Savings Time?
As of 2025, 19 states have passed laws or resolutions to adopt daylight savings time year-round if the federal government allows it. These states include California, Florida, Washington and Oregon. For example, Florida’s “Sunshine Protection Act” passed in 2018, but it still has not taken effect because federal law blocks it.
Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that do not observe DST at all. They use standard time year-round, which is already allowed under federal law. Other states, like Ohio and Michigan, want to join them but prefer permanent DST instead of permanent standard time.
The Fight for Federal Approval
The big hurdle for states is the U.S. federal law called the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This law says states can only stay on standard time permanently without approval. To adopt permanent daylight savings time, Congress needs to pass a law allowing it. In 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent nationwide. But the bill stalled in the House of Representatives and hasn’t been voted on as of 2025.
Recent Updates in 2025
In early 2025, lawmakers in Texas and Colorado introduced new bills to make daylight savings time permanent. They argue that ending the time change would boost tourism and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, states like Massachusetts and Maine are debating whether to switch to permanent standard time instead. The split shows there’s no national agreement on which time to keep.
Some states are tired of waiting for Congress. In 2024, California voters rejected a plan to stay on standard time year-round, showing they’d rather keep DST if possible. This has led to confusion, with neighboring states like Nevada and Oregon stuck in limbo.
Why Permanent Standard Time vs. DST?
Permanent standard time means keeping the “fall back” time all year. Experts like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine support this because it aligns better with natural sunlight patterns. They say waking up in the dark during winter (if we keep DST) could harm health and safety.
On the other hand, supporters of permanent DST argue that extra evening daylight helps businesses, reduces energy use, and gives people more time for hobbies after work. The debate often splits along regional lines. Northern states with shorter winter days worry about dark mornings, while southern states focus on sunny evenings.
What’s Next for Daylight Savings Time?
As of 2025, the push to end daylight savings time is stronger than ever. Lawmakers in 10 states have pledged to reintroduce bills if Congress ever changes the rules. Public polls show about 60% of Americans want to stop switching clocks, but they’re split on which time to keep.
The biggest challenge is getting all states and the federal government to agree. Until then, most Americans will keep changing their clocks twice a year, unless they live in Arizona or Hawaii.
How Other Countries Handle It
The U.S. is not alone in debating daylight savings time. In 2019, the European Union voted to scrap clock changes, but countries delayed the plan due to disagreements over which time to keep. Canada also lets provinces decide, with places like Saskatchewan using permanent standard time.
FAQs
Which states want permanent daylight savings time?
19 states, including Florida, California, and Washington, have passed laws to adopt permanent DST if Congress allows it.
Why hasn’t daylight savings time ended yet?
The U.S. needs federal approval to make DST permanent. Congress hasn’t passed the Sunshine Protection Act as of 2025.
What is the Sunshine Protection Act?
It’s a proposed federal law to make daylight savings time permanent nationwide. The Senate passed it in 2022, but the House hasn’t voted.
