Louisiana Awaits Federal Decision on Daylight Saving Time

State law change hinges on Congressional action to end biannual clock changes

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:55am

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Louisiana is one of 19 states waiting for the federal government to decide whether to keep the biannual Daylight Saving Time clock changes or adopt year-round DST. The state has a law ready to immediately take effect if Congress takes action, but for now, the twice-yearly clock adjustments will continue, with the next "spring forward" happening on March 8, 2026 - earlier than usual.

Why it matters

The twice-yearly clock changes have long been a source of frustration for many Louisianans, with scientific evidence showing negative health impacts from the disruption to sleep cycles. However, the state is unable to unilaterally end the practice without federal approval, leaving residents in limbo until Congress makes a decision.

The details

Louisiana is one of 19 states that have passed laws to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, but those changes are contingent on Congress taking action to allow states to opt out of the biannual clock changes. In the meantime, the clocks in Louisiana will continue to "spring forward" an hour on March 8, 2026 - a day earlier than the previous year. The state will then revert back to Standard Time on November 1st, unless the federal government intervenes.

  • The next "spring forward" in Louisiana will occur on March 8, 2026 at 2 am.
  • Louisiana will "fall back" to Standard Time on November 1, 2026, unless Congress acts.

The players

Louisiana

One of 19 states that has passed a law to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time, but is waiting for federal approval to implement the change.

Congress

The federal government that has the authority to allow states to opt out of the biannual clock changes and adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time.

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What’s next

If Congress passes legislation allowing states to opt out of the biannual clock changes, Louisiana's state law will immediately take effect, moving the state to year-round Daylight Saving Time.

The takeaway

The twice-yearly clock changes in Louisiana have long been a source of frustration, but the state is unable to unilaterally end the practice without federal approval. Louisianans will continue to endure the biannual clock adjustments until Congress decides whether to allow states to adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time.