What States Are Getting Rid of Daylight Savings Time This Year?

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Daylight Saving Time (DST) adjusts clocks forward in warmer months and backward in colder ones, originally intended to conserve energy and maximize daylight usage. Today, it has become a contentious practice, with many questioning its relevance in the modern world. Efforts to eliminate DST are gaining momentum across the United States, sparking the question: What states are getting rid of daylight savings time? While Arizona and Hawaii have long opted out of DST, other states are pushing for permanent time systems through legislative efforts. 

This article looks at the efforts to end Daylight Saving Time (DST), the current laws involved, and what could happen if DST is removed.

States That Have Eliminated Daylight Savings Time DST

As of December 2024, the United States continues to observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) in most regions, with notable exceptions and ongoing legislative efforts aimed at eliminating the practice. Let’s look at states not observing DST: 

Arizona: Since 1968, Arizona has remained on standard time year-round, primarily due to its hot climate, which makes extended daylight hours less desirable. However, the Navajo Nation within Arizona does observe DST, creating a unique timekeeping situation within the state.

Hawaii: Hawaii is another state that does not participate in DST. Due to its location near the equator, the state experiences minimal variation in daylight hours throughout the year. As a result, DST was deemed unnecessary, and the state chose to remain on standard time.

U.S. Territories:  Territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa also do not observe DST. Like Hawaii, their equatorial positions provide consistent daylight hours, making time changes irrelevant. These regions benefit from a simpler, stable timekeeping system.

Legislative Efforts to Abolish Daylight Saving Time

Many states have introduced bills to eliminate Daylight Saving Time or adopt a permanent time system, with 19 states passing supportive legislation as of 2024. However, these changes require federal approval, leaving state initiatives in limbo until Congress acts.

State-Level Initiatives

Several states have taken legislative action to abolish DST or adopt a permanent time system. Here are key examples:

  • Florida: Florida passed the “Sunshine Protection Act” in 2018 to move to permanent Daylight Saving Time. While the state legislature approved this change, it requires congressional consent to take effect.
  • California: Proposition 7, passed in 2018, allowed California to consider permanent DST. However, the state still awaits federal approval and enabling legislation.
  • Pacific Northwest States: Washington, Oregon, and California are coordinating efforts to implement permanent DST. These states aim to align their time policies to minimize disruptions across state borders.

Federal Approval Requirement

While states like Arizona and Hawaii have opted out of DST without issue, adopting permanent DST is more complex. Federal law mandates congressional approval for states seeking permanent Daylight Saving Time. This requirement has delayed the progress of several state-level initiatives, even as public support for a consistent time system grows.

As of December 2024, several U.S. states have enacted legislation to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), pending federal approval. These states include:

  • Alabama
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

Implications of Abolishing DST (ending the biannual clock changes):

  • Health Considerations: Eliminating the clock changes would reduce sleep disruptions and related health issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. Permanent standard time is often highlighted as being better for circadian rhythms.
  • Economic Impact: Simplified scheduling for businesses and improved energy efficiency are potential benefits of a fixed-time system.
  • Public Opinion: Many people support abolishing the biannual time changes, but there is division over which fixed time system is preferable.

Implications of Adopting Permanent DST (versus standard time):

  • Health Considerations: Proponents argue longer evening daylight may boost physical activity and mental health. However, critics point out that darker mornings in winter may cause disruptions, especially for schoolchildren and workers.
  • Economic Impact: Longer evening daylight is seen as favorable for retail and recreational industries but may not align with natural light needs for agriculture.

Understanding what states are getting rid of daylight savings time helps illustrate how these decisions impact health, economy, and daily life, influencing the broader conversation on the future of timekeeping.

Will the U.S. Say Goodbye to Daylight Saving Time?

The movement to eliminate DST is gaining traction at both state and federal levels. Many states have already passed legislation in favor of permanent time systems, awaiting only federal approval. The outcome of the Sunshine Protection Act could determine whether the U.S. adopts a consistent time policy nationwide.

Internationally, countries like Japan and regions within the European Union provide examples of how different time policies can be managed. These examples underscore the importance of tailoring time systems to local needs and preferences.

As more states question the relevance of DST, the answer to what states are getting rid of daylight savings time will likely expand, reflecting a broader shift toward a fixed time system.

Wrapping Up

The debate over Daylight Saving Time continues to gain momentum as states and citizens question its relevance in today’s world. While Arizona, Hawaii, and U.S. territories have long opted out, many other states are pushing for permanent time systems, awaiting federal approval. Efforts like the Sunshine Protection Act could redefine timekeeping nationwide, simplifying schedules and addressing health concerns. As discussions progress, the question what states are getting rid of daylight savings time highlights the growing desire for consistency and a move away from biannual clock changes.

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