WASHINGTON – Members of Alabama’s delegation are at the forefront of trying to enact federal legislation to ‘lock the clock’ and make daylight saving time year round.
As people adjust to Sunday’s loss of an hour of sleep, Alabama’s Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are pushing for daylight saving time to become permanent at the federal level. The senators are supporters of the Sunshine Protection Act. Tuberville spoke on the Senate floor about how the legislation is a “no brainer” so people can experience more daylight.
“By making daylight saving time permanent, Americans would enjoy more sunshine in the evenings,” Tuberville said. “This is so important for many Americans who may not get a chance to get outside during the day.”
The Sunshine Protection Act, led by Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL, has some bipartisan support in the Senate with 17 co-sponsors of the bill.
“The American people are tired of the antiquated practice of ‘falling back’ every year,” Britt said in a statement in January when the bill was first introduced. “Alabamians want more sunshine, and it’s better for our mental and physical health.”
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law in 2021 to make daylight saving time permanent in Alabama, but it can’t go into effect until Congress passes a law. Alabama is one of 18 states with similar legislation. Arizona and Hawaii observe standard time year round.
The Sunshine Protection Act has also been introduced in the House. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, is a co-sponsor. Rep Mike Rogers, R-Saks, introduced his own bill that gives states the choice on whether or not to observe daylight saving time year-round.
“Changing our clocks twice a year is unnecessary and an outdated nuisance, furthermore, remaining on Daylight Saving Time could have tremendous benefits for the economy and people’s health,” Rogers said in a statement. “The people of Alabama have spoken, and they want to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round. My legislation allows our state and many more to do just that.”
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established daylight saving time and requires Congressional approval for it to be changed.