Each November, Americans in most states set their clocks back an hour, "falling back" to standard time and gaining an extra hour of sleep. While many welcome the extra rest, the biannual time change often revives longstanding discussions around making daylight saving time (DST) permanent and eliminating these shifts altogether.

Despite consistent efforts, including multiple bills and resolutions, the U.S. federal government does not currently permit states to adopt permanent DST without Congressional approval. Only Hawaii and Arizona have made standard time permanent, opting out of DST entirely. Senator Marco Rubio, among the most vocal advocates for permanent DST, introduced the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent nationwide, but despite its passage in the Senate in 2022, it has stalled in the House.

Where Each State Stands on Permanent DST

Many states are eager to end time changes. Currently, 19 states have passed measures that would allow them to make DST permanent if Congress permits it, with some states requiring neighboring states to do the same for consistency. For example, Delaware’s law only activates if nearby states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland also make DST permanent.

Oklahoma became the latest to join the ranks, passing a measure to establish permanent DST if Congress gives the green light. Other states, like Idaho, have different rules: northern Idaho, for instance, would only adopt permanent DST if neighboring Washington did as well.

The Health Debate: Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time

Experts from the medical and scientific communities generally favor permanent standard time over DST. According to Erik Herzog, a professor of biology and neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis, the semi-annual clock changes disrupt the body's circadian rhythms, increasing risks like heart attacks and car accidents, especially in the spring. Herzog believes that year-round DST could worsen these health impacts, as sunrise would occur much later in winter mornings, making it harder for people to wake up naturally.

Herzog also points out that while Florida may see potential economic benefits from permanent DST—such as more daylight for late-afternoon activities—the state’s geography makes it less susceptible to the darker winter mornings that northern states would face under permanent DST.

The Historical Context of Permanent DST

The U.S. has experimented with extended DST periods in the past. During World War II, the country operated under "War Time," with DST in effect year-round to conserve resources. Later, in 1974, amid an energy crisis, former President Nixon signed a bill enacting year-round DST. Initially popular, this approach quickly became controversial, as winter sunrises were pushed as late as 9:30 a.m. in some areas. The public backlash led Congress to reverse the decision within the same year.

The Future of Clock Changes

Public opinion on this issue remains split. A 2021 poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 43% of Americans prefer permanent standard time, while 32% favor year-round DST, and 25% wish to keep the current system. For now, until Congress passes a law permitting states to adopt permanent DST, most Americans will continue the twice-yearly ritual of changing their clocks.