permanent daylight savings time

As of September 2026, the United States has not yet adopted permanent daylight saving time. While there has been significant legislative progress, the practice of changing clocks twice a year remains in effect.

Current Status

• House Passage: On July 14, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) with a bipartisan vote of 308–117.
• Next Steps: The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the U.S. Senate. Even if it passes the Senate, it must be signed by the President to become law.
• Presidential Stance: President Donald Trump has expressed support for the measure and indicated he would sign it if it reaches his desk.

Key Details

• The Proposal: If enacted, the Sunshine Protection Act would make daylight saving time the permanent, year-round standard for most of the U.S., effectively ending the "spring forward" and "fall back" clock changes.
• Exemptions: The bill allows states and territories that currently observe permanent standard time—such as Hawaii and most of Arizona—to continue doing so.
• History and Debate: Similar efforts have been introduced in Congress for years. While proponents argue that permanent daylight saving time would boost economic activity and provide more evening sunlight, critics raise concerns about darker winter mornings and the potential impact on public health and school-aged children. A previous experiment with permanent daylight saving time in the 1970s was repealed after less than a year due to public dissatisfaction.

Until federal law is changed, the current schedule remains in place, with clocks moving forward on the second Sunday in March and back on the first Sunday in November.