Stories
19 US States Push to End Clock Changes: Federal Approval is the Final Hurdle
M
Moneycontrol•21-09-2026, 10:25
19 US States Push to End Clock Changes: Federal Approval is the Final Hurdle
- •Nineteen US states have passed legislation to permanently observe Daylight Saving Time, but federal law currently prevents them from implementing these changes.
- •Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states can remain on standard time year-round but cannot independently adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time without Congressional approval.
- •States like Florida (2018) led the movement, with others following to allow permanent Daylight Saving Time if Congress authorizes it; some state laws also depend on neighboring states making the same change.
- •Arizona and Hawaii, along with several US territories, already remain on standard time throughout the year, a choice permitted by federal law.
- •The ultimate decision rests with Congress, which must authorize states to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time before the existing state measures can take effect.
Key Questions Answered
Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states cannot independently adopt daylight saving time as their permanent time without approval from Congress, meaning these states are currently waiting for federal rules to change before their enacted laws can take effect.
Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time and remain on standard time throughout the year, a choice that is already permitted under current federal law.
Florida was the first state to adopt legislation or resolutions supporting permanent daylight saving time back in 2018, with other states following over subsequent years.
