Rick Scott reintroduces bill to keep Daylight Saving Time year-round
The legislation is supported by President-elect Donald Trump, who vowed last month that Republicans "will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time." The Senate previously passed a bill to make DST permanent in 2022, but it did not become law.
Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott on Tuesday reintroduced a bill that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent year-round, meaning there would be no setting clocks back in the fall.
The legislation is supported by President-elect Donald Trump, who vowed last month that Republicans "will use [their] best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time." The Senate previously passed a bill to make DST permanent in 2022, but it did not become law.
Trump and Scott have both claimed that the practice of changing their clocks twice a year is an inconvenient and unnecessary task, according to The Hill.
“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them,” Scott said in a statement. “I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families."
Scott's actions also have bipartisan support, with eight Senate Democrats endorsing the change, including Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey.
“The head-spinning ritual of falling back and springing forward has a very real impact on our economy, our health, and our happiness,” Markey said. “Let’s say goodbye to 4 p.m. winter sunsets and pass the Sunshine Protection Act for permanent Daylight Saving Time — permanently springing forward for brighter evenings year-round.”
Those who oppose the legislation have claimed that it would force drivers in some states to drive in early morning darkness.
Florida GOP Rep. Greg Stuebe, who is leading the effort in the House, said he expects the legislation to be reintroduced in the lower chamber's Energy and Commerce Committee at some point, but did not give a timeline.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.