New Law Would Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Legislation that could permanently set New Jersey’s clocks to daylight saving time and end twice-a-year clock changes is gaining traction in Congress again.

House Republicans are reviving the Sunshine Protection Bill backed by President Donald Trump to make daylight saving time permanent, a move that would end the twice-yearly clock changes for states that choose to adopt it.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee planned to take up the Sunshine Protection Act, which would allow states to remain on daylight saving time year-round, The Washington Post first reported. The measure has drawn support from lawmakers who say Americans are tired of changing clocks and would benefit from more daylight in the evening.

If year-round daylight saving time is adopted, winter sunsets in much of the country would occur after 5 p.m., as opposed to in the 4 o’clock hour, as they do under standard time. Sunrise would be much later, largely after 8 a.m., and in some areas, after 9 a.m.

The earliest sunset of the year usually falls on Dec. 7. Under standard time, that will be around 4:30 p.m. in New Jersey. If DST is made permanent, it would move an hour later.

The latest sunrise of the year occurs sometime between Jan. 3–5. Under standard time, that’s around 7:20 a.m. in New Jersey. Under DST, the sun wouldn’t come up until about 8:20 a.m.

The proposal has repeatedly surfaced in Congress but has stalled amid disagreements over whether the country should adopt permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. A similar measure passed the Senate in 2022 but failed to advance in the House.

“Addressing Daylight Saving Time has been a priority for a number of members for a while now,” Matt VanHyfte, the committee’s communications director, said in a statement to The Post.

“The Committee held a hearing last November and heard testimony that an extra hour of sun at the end of the day boosts economic activity, and there is evidence that changing time is a highway safety concern, with a surge of traffic fatalities occurring the week following time changes,” the statement continued. “The Committee led legislation that extended DST in 2007, and is examining ways to further address it now.”

Supporters argue the change to year-round daylight saving would reduce disruptions, improve safety and give families more usable daylight after work and school. Critics, including some health experts, warn that permanent daylight saving time could mean darker winter mornings and disrupt sleep patterns.

Most of the United States currently moves clocks forward in March and back in November. Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time.

The provision was included in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, which Florida Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan said in a statement moves the nation “one step closer to ending the outdated and unpopular practice of changing our clocks twice a year.”

The broader bill containing the daylight saving time measure was reported to the full House by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a 48-1 vote. California Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán cast the lone “no” vote, citing potential health effects.

New Jersey lawmakers have also weighed in on the issue as it moves through Congress.

State Senate President Nick Scutari, speaking in support of New Jersey’s related legislation (S-1510), said the practice of switching clocks is outdated and disruptive.

“The science is clear, these clock changes throw off our internal rhythms, contribute to seasonal depression, and even lead to more crashes and cardiac events,” Scutari said in a statement released by the New Jersey Senate Democratic Caucus. “This is a relic of another era. Permanent daylight saving time would bring more consistency, better health outcomes, and safer evenings for families across New Jersey.”

State Sen. Shirley Turner and Sen. Troy Singleton, who sponsor the bill alongside Scutari, have also pointed to health and safety concerns tied to changing clocks, including disrupted sleep patterns and increased risk in the days following time changes, according to the same Senate Democrats statement.

Under current federal law, states cannot independently adopt permanent daylight saving time. However, New Jersey’s legislation is written to take effect only if Congress changes that rule — at which point the state would automatically remain on daylight saving time year-round.

Currently, states have the authority to choose year-round standard time, but they cannot independently opt for permanent daylight saving time. However, two proposed bills introduced in the House aim to provide states with that choice. Both pieces of legislation are presently being reviewed in committee.

The measure still must clear several hurdles before becoming law. The full House would have to approve the broader bill, and the Senate would have to pass identical legislation or resolve any differences with the House. If both chambers approve the same version, the measure would be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature or veto.

If nothing happens, clocks will be set back an hour on Nov. 1.