The House passed a bill to make DST permanent: on July 14, 2026, with a bipartisan vote of 308 to 117. The bill would eliminate the need to change clocks twice a year for most of the US.\n\n- **Winter sunrises would become dramatically later.** Los Angeles would see its latest sunrise at 8:00 a.m., San Francisco at 8:25 a.m., and Crescent City at 8:44 a.m. In Detroit, sunrise wouldn't happen until 9:02 a.m., while Bismarck, North Dakota, and Glacier National Park would see sunrise at 9:28 a.m.\n\n- **Evening sunsets would be significantly brighter.** Los Angeles would enjoy 5:44 p.m. sunsets after Thanksgiving instead of 4:44 p.m. New York City would see its earliest sunset at 5:28 p.m. instead of 4:28 p.m.\n\n- **The Senate may not pass the bill.** Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has voiced strong opposition, warning that permanent DST would push winter sunrises to "absurdly late hours" and deprive Americans of essential morning sunshine.\n\n- **Why this matters:** The trade-off between darker mornings and brighter evenings has real-world consequences for school children, commuters, public safety, and mental health. The 1974 experiment with permanent DST was abandoned due to public backlash over dark winter mornings.\n\n- **Historical context:** In 1974, schools in Los Angeles County issued flashlights to crossing guards to help children navigate dark mornings. The experiment was short-lived as Congress returned to standard time later that year.
On July 14, 2026, the House of Representatives voted 308 to 117 in favor of making daylight saving time permanent year-round. The bill would end the decades-old practice of "springing forward" in March and "falling back" in November. Areas that already do not observe DST—such as Hawaii and most of Arizona—would be allowed to remain on permanent standard time.
Of California's 51 House members, 42 supported the measure. President Trump has indicated he would sign the bill into law if it passes Congress.
Despite the strong House showing, the bill's path in the Senate is uncertain. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), the bill's sponsor, argues that changing clocks twice a year is an unnecessary annoyance. "Even just an extra hour in the evening means more time to play with your kids," Scott said.
However, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has emerged as a vocal opponent. He warned that permanent DST would "push winter sunrises to an absurdly late hour, depriving Americans of morning sunshine that's essential for our safety and well-being."
The data paints a stark picture of regional disparities under permanent DST:
| City | Latest Sunrise (Permanent DST) | Earliest Sunset (Permanent DST) |
|------|------|------|
| Los Angeles | 8:00 a.m. | 5:44 p.m. |
| San Francisco | 8:25 a.m. | 5:51 p.m. |
| New York City | 8:20 a.m. | 5:28 p.m. |
| Detroit | 9:02 a.m. | ~5:00 p.m. |
| Seattle | 8:58 a.m. | ~5:00 p.m. |
| Bismarck, ND | 9:28 a.m. | ~5:00 p.m. |
Northern states and those farther west within their time zones would bear the brunt of the late sunrises, while southern states would see less dramatic changes.
California voters already approved Proposition 7 in 2018 with 60% support, giving the state legislature authority to adopt year-round DST—but only if federal law allows it. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has been a strong advocate, noting that "more daylight after work means more business and more active, safer California communities."
Under the House bill, California and other states could opt out of permanent DST, but they would need to decide before the law takes effect.
British Columbia recently adopted permanent DST in March 2026 and will not turn clocks back to standard time. Vancouver's latest sunrise will be at 9:07 a.m., but its earliest sunset will be at 5:13 p.m. instead of 4:13 p.m. Mexico ended DST in most of the country in 2022, opting for permanent standard time, though border cities and Baja California continue to observe it.
When would permanent daylight saving time take effect if the bill passes?
The timeline depends on Senate action and presidential approval. If passed, the bill would eliminate the semi-annual clock change for most of the US, though states could opt out before the law takes effect.
Can states opt out of permanent DST?
Yes. Under the House-approved bill, states like California could choose to remain on permanent standard time, but they would need to decide before the law takes effect.
Has the US tried permanent DST before?
Yes. In 1974, the US enacted winter daylight saving time, but it proved unpopular due to dark winter mornings. Schools delayed start times, and crossing guards were issued flashlights. Congress returned to standard time later that year.
What happens to states that already don't observe DST?
Hawaii and most of Arizona—which currently stay on standard time year-round—would be allowed to continue doing so under the House bill.
Who would be most affected by permanent DST?
Northern states and communities farther west within their time zones would see the latest winter sunrises. School children, morning commuters, and outdoor workers would be most impacted by darker mornings.
Understand the trade-off:: Permanent DST means brighter evenings but darker mornings. If you're a morning person, a parent of school-age children, or someone who commutes before dawn, the change could significantly impact your routine.\n\n- **How to prepare:** If permanent DST becomes law, consider adjusting your schedule. Schools might need to delay start times. Investing in better morning lighting, reflective gear for outdoor activities, and alarm clocks with gradual sunrise simulation could help ease the transition.\n\n- **Who this affects most:** Parents of school children (especially in northern states), early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, farmers, and people living in northern latitudes will feel the impact most acutely.\n\n- **Stay informed:** The bill's fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Follow updates from your representatives and consider sharing your opinion with them.
Do you think the US should make daylight saving time permanent, or would you prefer to keep the current system? Would later winter sunrises be a dealbreaker for you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
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