Daylight savings could soon become a thing of the past

On Tuesday, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) reintroduced legislation to end the need to reset clocks twice a year by making daylight savings time permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 would end the need to change clocks twice a year. Studies show this would provide a benefit for the economy and country.

“The public safety improvements, economic benefits, and the wellbeing of the American people are all excellent and credible reasons to embrace year-long Daylight Saving Time,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I know the agricultural sector in Mississippi and across the nation desires this change.  I believe the Sunshine Protection Act would give us an immediate and long-term boost after a terrible pandemic year and a very dark winter.”

Rubio also weighed in and said, “The call to end the antiquated practice of clock changing is gaining momentum throughout the nation…” He added, “Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is why the Florida legislature voted to make it permanent in 2018.  I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, and give our nation’s families more stability throughout the year.”

Other states have already enacted year-round daylight savings time. A total of fifteen states have passed some form of law, resolution or initiative and other states are also considering such actions. Florida enacted legislation in 2018, however, for the act to apply, a change in the federal statute would be needed.