The Daylight Saving Dilemma: States Tackle Time Changes

In just a few days, millions of Americans are set to lose an hour of sleep as daylight saving time takes effect. On Sunday, March 9, clocks across the nation will “spring forward” by one hour at 2 a.m. Most states adhere to this twice-yearly adjustment, except for Arizona and Hawaii. These two states stand out as they choose not to participate in daylight saving time, opting to keep their clocks consistent all year round.

Both Arizona and Hawaii exploit a loophole in a 59-year-old federal law that mandates states to observe daylight saving time unless they decide to remain on standard time year-round. This law, known as the Uniform Time Act of 1966, dictates the national use of daylight saving time while permitting states to opt out entirely. However, it does not allow states to permanently apply daylight saving time, which would mean remaining an hour ahead from November through March while others revert to standard time.

Increasingly, states are moving towards permanently adopting daylight saving time—a concept often referred to as “lock the clock.” Some states are eager to make the change as long as neighboring states follow suit. Over the past six years, 20 states have passed legislation or resolutions supporting this move, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2024, at least 30 states have either considered or are actively contemplating legislation related to this time change.