States Consider Locking Clocks on Daylight Saving Time

Lawmakers in 15 states have introduced bills to end the biannual clock changes.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:39am

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In the first month of 2026, lawmakers in 15 states have already introduced legislation to make daylight saving time permanent or to lock the clocks on standard time. The bills are evenly split between calling for permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. Some of the bills are carryovers from the previous legislative session. Congress would need to give states the authority to observe daylight saving time year-round for some of the bills to take effect.

Why it matters

The debate over daylight saving time has been ongoing, with proponents arguing for the benefits of extended daylight hours and opponents citing health concerns. These state-level efforts to lock the clocks reflect the continued desire for change, though any permanent shift would require federal approval.

The details

The bills introduced so far include proposals for permanent daylight saving time in states like Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, and New York, as well as bills for permanent standard time in states like Indiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Some of the bills require neighboring states to take similar action before the change can take effect.

  • Clocks will 'spring forward' in a few weeks on the earliest possible date of March 8.
  • The Nebraska bill was scheduled for a final reading during the previous legislative session and has been carried over.
  • The Mississippi bill changes the effective date to July 1, 2026 compared to a similar bill passed in 2021.

The players

Congress

Congress would need to give states the authority to observe daylight saving time year-round for some of the proposed state bills to take effect.

Texas

Texas has already passed legislation to observe daylight saving time permanently, should Congress allow it.

Maine

Maine enacted permanent daylight saving time legislation in 2025.

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What’s next

It's likely that more daylight saving time-related bills will be introduced across the U.S. this year. Congress has two bills, the Sunshine Protection Act, that call for permanent daylight saving time, but it's unclear if Congress will pass any of them.

The takeaway

The debate over daylight saving time continues, with states taking matters into their own hands by introducing bills to lock the clocks on either permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time. However, any permanent shift would require federal approval, so the outcome remains uncertain.