By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter

A bill that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the nation awaits consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Sunshine Protection Act (HR 139 and S. 29), by Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), recently passed the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee in a 48-1 vote as an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act (HR 7389).

“The biannual clock change is inconvenient, unnecessary and out of step with the needs of today’s families and economy,” Buchanan said. “Permanent Daylight Saving Time will provide Americans with greater stability and more usable daylight hours throughout the year.”

The bill, if passed by Congress, would officially “lock-the clock,” and would end the twice-yearly time changes so the nation stays on DST year-round.

“Even just an extra hour in the evening means more time to play with your kids, walk your dog,” Scott said. “With support from President Donald Trump and a bipartisan group of colleagues, it’s clear that now is the time for Congress to pass my Sunshine Protection Act.”

In an op-ed, Buchanan wrote the time change disrupts routines, unsettles sleep schedules, reduces productivity and leaves families returning from work and school to dark evenings.

“Surveys indicate that 43% of employees identify the week following the fall time change as their least productive of the year, while other studies show that the spring transition can diminish efficiency for up to two weeks,” Buchanan said. “By eliminating these needless disruptions, we can cultivate a workforce that is more focused, resilient and productive.”

Buchanan also said moving to permanent DST can improve public health, reduce traffic accidents, lower crime and encourage more outdoor activity.

“Permanent DST would also make our communities safer,” Buchanan wrote. “Studies show that increased daylight reduces traffic accidents and evening robberies, while the 2007 extension of DST saved roughly $59 million each year in avoided social costs related to crime.”

The Sunshine Protection Act now awaits consideration on the House floor.

In the House, the legislation has 32 bipartisan cosponsors.

In the Senate, there are 18 cosponsors.

Buchanan has introduced the legislation every Congress since 2018.

As governor of Florida in 2018, Scott signed legislation that would exempt Florida from the time change, pending federal approval.