Lawmakers are pushing to end America’s twice-yearly clock adjustments forever – but not everyone agrees it’s a bright idea. Here’s what you need to know about the explosive new proposal gaining momentum in Washington.
The Sunshine Protection Act Returns
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act on February 20, 2025, with bipartisan support and backing from former President Donald Trump. This bill would make daylight saving time (DST) permanent nationwide, eliminating the November-March return to standard time that requires turning clocks backward.
Current 2025 Time Change Schedule
- ⏰ Spring Forward: March 9 at 2 AM local time
- ⏰ Fall Back: November 2 at 2 AM local time
The Great Daylight Debate
| Pro-DST Camp | Anti-DST Camp |
|---|---|
| • Extended evening daylight for recreation • Potential economic benefits • 63% of Americans favor ending time changes |
• Health risks from disrupted sleep cycles • Safety concerns about darker winter mornings • Circadian rhythm alignment issues |
State-Level Chaos Looms
While most states currently follow federal DST rules, exceptions include:
- 🛑 Arizona (except Navajo Nation)
- 🛑 Hawaii
- 🛑 U.S. territories like Puerto Rico
The new legislation faces hurdles as states like South Dakota recently rejected similar proposals, and Washington’s SB 5666 (2025) seeks alternative timekeeping approaches.
Historical Context
The U.S. adopted its current DST schedule in 2007 under the Energy Policy Act. Previous tinkering included:
- 1945-1966: No uniform national rules
- 1974-1975: Extended DST during oil crisis
- 1987-2006: ~7 months of annual DST
What This Means for You
If passed, winter sunrise/sunset times would shift dramatically:
| City | January Sunrise | January Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 8:15 AM* | 5:45 PM* |
| Los Angeles | 7:55 AM* | 6:05 PM* |
*Estimated permanent DST times based on current solar patterns
The Hidden Workforce Impact
Nightshift workers would face complex payroll changes:
- ⏳ Lose 1 hour pay during spring forward transitions
- 💸 Gain 1 hour pay during fall back periods
The Department of Labor confirms employers must account for these actual worked hours under FLSA regulations.
The Road Ahead
The bill needs House/Senate approval before reaching President Trump’s desk. With midterm elections approaching, this hot-button issue could become a key campaign talking point.
