Permanent time observation in the United States

Prior to this law, time zones and DST observation in America were independent and erratic across states and cities.

In 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduced to Congress the "Sunshine Protection Act", a bill to permit states to observe permanent DST.

If approved by the Department of Transportation, such a move would effectively put these states on permanent DST without needing to await amendment to the Uniform Time Act by Congress.

[33] A meta-analysis by Rutgers researchers found that permanent DST would eliminate 171 pedestrian fatalities (a 13% reduction) per year.

[34] DST has been supported by the Chamber of Commerce since 1915 attributing added sales and outdoor activity to sunlight in the evenings.

[12] Experts such as Till Roenneberg argue that permanent observation of DST significantly[4] increases rates of disease and accidents, and lowers productivity and wages.

[45][46] When members of Congress introduced legislation to repeal the practice, they stated it jeopardized children's safety, citing the deaths of eight schoolchildren in Florida since DST had been enacted a few weeks prior.

[47] The main argument for introducing year-round DST is that the lifestyles and work patterns of modern-day citizens are no longer compatible with the concept of shifting the clock every spring and fall.

Supporters also argue that switching to ''Forward Time'' would also result in saving energy by reducing the need for artificial light.

However, California law still requires a vote of two-thirds of the state's legislature (and approval of Congress for permanent DST).

[61][62] In 2021, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 100 providing for year-round daylight saving time if the United States Congress amends 15 U.S.C.

[63] In 2022, the United States Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent;[64] the bill failed in the House and expired at the end of the year.