Overview
Title
To make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
In America, they want to change the clocks so it's always sunny for a longer time every day, and states can choose if they want to do that or keep their current time setup.
Summary AI
H. R. 139, known as the “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025,” proposes to make daylight savings time permanent in the United States by repealing the temporary period for daylight savings time stated in the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This bill also makes adjustments to the standard times in various U.S. time zones by advancing each by one hour. Moreover, it allows states or specific areas that have previously opted out of daylight savings time to choose between remaining at their standard time or adopting the new standard time outlined in the bill.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
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Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
General Summary
The bill at hand, House Resolution 139, introduced in the 119th Congress, primarily aims to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent across the United States. This proposed legislation, known as the "Sunshine Protection Act of 2025," seeks to repeal the existing provisions that enable the periodic adjustment of clocks for daylight saving. Instead, standard time would be advanced permanently by one hour. Moreover, the bill provides certain states the option to exempt themselves and stick to their previous standard time practices.
Significant Issues
Several potential issues arise from the text of the bill:
Terminology and Language: The bill uses the term "daylight savings time," which is technically incorrect; the correct term is "daylight saving time." Such inaccuracies might confuse the public and diminish the bill's perceived professionalism.
Complex Amendments: The bill introduces several technical amendments to historical statutes, notably the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and the 1918 Calder Act. These changes involve adjusting time offsets, which may be difficult to comprehend without a clear explanation of their impact on different time zones.
State Exemption Clause: The provision allowing states to exempt themselves and set their standard time "as such State considers appropriate" could lead to inconsistencies. This might create complications, especially concerning coordination across state lines.
Lack of Impact Analysis: The bill does not provide an analysis of potential economic impacts or effects on scheduling due to differences in time observance at state boundaries. Without this insight, it is challenging to predict the repercussions on commerce, travel, and daily life.
Broad Public Impact
If enacted, making daylight saving time permanent would lead to lighter evenings year-round, potentially benefiting lifestyle and leisure activities for many. It may reduce energy usage, as longer evening daylight could decrease reliance on artificial lighting. However, it could also mean darker mornings, particularly impacting those who start their day early, such as students and early shift workers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Businesses and the Economy: Industries like retail and tourism might see positive effects from extended evening daylight, which could encourage more consumer spending and outdoor activities. Conversely, businesses operating across state lines might face challenges if time standard inconsistencies arise due to state exemptions.
States and Local Governments: States that choose to retain their former standard time for certain regions may face administrative burdens. Coordinating time differences within their own bounds or with neighboring states could necessitate additional logistical planning and communication efforts.
Individuals and Communities: While some individuals may appreciate more daylight in the evening, others may be adversely affected by the late sunrise, which could impact morning activities and routines, such as school start times, public transport schedules, and safety for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Local communities may need to adjust public service schedules accordingly.
Overall, the proposed legislation to make daylight saving time permanent will reshape how Americans experience daily time-keeping. The implementation details and potential for variance across state lines remain contentious areas that could impact the direction and effectiveness of this bill.
Issues
The language in the amendments to the Act of March 19, 1918, involves multiple changes to specific time hour references which may be confusing without additional context or explanation on how it affects different time zones. (Section 2)
The 'STATE EXEMPTION' component could lead to discrepancies and confusion among states choosing different standard times, potentially affecting inter-state coordination. (Section 2)
There is no discussion on potential impacts on areas that do not align with the new standard time, such as economic implications or effects on scheduling across different states. (Section 2)
The section does not provide clarity on how these changes will be implemented and what the exact impact will be on affected parties, especially regarding the 'STATE EXEMPTION' clause and how states should interpret 'as such State considers appropriate'. (Section 2)
The term 'daylight savings time' is technically incorrect; it should be 'daylight saving time' as per the correct usage. (Section 2)
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act specifies its short title, stating that it can be referred to as the “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025.”
2. Making daylight savings time permanent Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section proposes making daylight savings time permanent by repealing part of the Uniform Time Act of 1966. It also updates the 1918 Calder Act to adjust the standard time offset by one hour for each time zone and allows states or areas previously exempt from daylight savings time to choose their standard time accordingly.