Permanent Standard Time Gains Momentum Across the U.S.

Two states have already opted out of daylight saving time, while over a dozen others consider legislation to establish permanent standard time.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Across the United States, most states observed daylight saving time this past weekend, but residents in Hawaii and a large portion of Arizona have opted out of the twice-yearly clock adjustment and remain on permanent standard time. In recent years, numerous other states have attempted to fix their clocks in place, with almost 20 states passing laws aiming for permanent daylight saving time, though current federal regulations only permit states to adopt permanent standard time. However, proposed legislation introduced in Congress last year could potentially alter this rule, and more than a dozen states are still considering bills to establish permanent standard time.

Why it matters

The debate over permanent daylight saving time versus permanent standard time has implications for public health, energy usage, and the coordination of commerce and transportation across state lines. While health experts generally agree that permanent standard time is preferable, the patchwork of state-level initiatives has created a complex landscape that Congress may need to address.

The details

In Virginia, a bill that would put the state on standard time year-round passed through the Senate in February, and the House Rules committee voted last week to carry it over to its 2027 session. The bill calls for Virginia's clocks to lock so long as those in the District of Columbia and Maryland do the same. Local officials in the District of Columbia have considered such legislation, while no seasonal time change bills have been introduced in Maryland during the current session. A similar bill introduced in Illinois depends on Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin also opting into permanent standard time. Missouri and Wisconsin lawmakers are considering such bills, while current legislation in Iowa would make daylight saving time permanent.

  • Daylight saving time took effect early Sunday morning, March 10, 2026.
  • The Virginia Senate passed a bill for permanent standard time in February 2026.
  • The Virginia House Rules committee voted to carry the bill over to the 2027 session in March 2026.

The players

Hawaii

A state that has opted out of the twice-yearly clock adjustment and remains on permanent standard time.

Arizona

A state that has opted out of the twice-yearly clock adjustment and remains on permanent standard time, except for the Navajo Nation.

Virginia

A state that has passed a bill through the Senate for permanent standard time, contingent on the District of Columbia and Maryland making the same change.

District of Columbia

Local officials have considered legislation to establish permanent standard time, but no bills have been introduced during the current session.

Maryland

No seasonal time change bills have been introduced in the state during the current session.

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What’s next

It's too soon to say whether Congress will pass any of the bills that have been introduced, or whether any additional state-level laws will be enacted. The outcome of these legislative efforts will determine if and when further changes to daylight saving time or permanent standard time will be implemented across the United States.

The takeaway

The debate over permanent daylight saving time versus permanent standard time has created a complex patchwork of state-level initiatives, with Congress potentially needing to step in to provide a more coordinated national approach. The outcome of these legislative efforts could have significant impacts on public health, energy usage, and the coordination of commerce and transportation across state lines.