House · HR 139 · 119th Congress
Sunshine Protection Act of 2025
Sign in to cast a dissent vote.
Summary
This bill makes daylight saving time permanent across the United States. Clocks would no longer move forward or back each year. States that already opt out of daylight saving time can choose which time standard to keep.
In Favor
Switching clocks twice a year causes real spikes in heart attacks and traffic accidents each spring. Permanent daylight saving time removes that danger and gives workers, retailers, and outdoor businesses more usable evening light. Researchers have linked extra evening daylight to lower crime rates and stronger consumer spending.
Against
Permanent daylight saving time means darker winter mornings, which could be harder for children walking to school. Some doctors prefer permanent standard time instead, arguing it better matches the body's natural sleep cycle. States that already opt out could face confusion as their time differs more from neighbors.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill ends the twice-yearly clock change by making daylight saving time the permanent standard time across the country. It targets the current system that shifts clocks forward in spring and back in fall each year.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay on topic. The bill also lets states or areas that already opted out of daylight saving time choose which time standard they keep, which directly relates to the core change.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
All people and businesses that currently follow seasonal clock changes would move to one fixed time year-round. States and areas that already opted out of daylight saving time gain a choice about which standard to follow going forward.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill authorizes no spending and sets no fees. It shifts a duty onto states with existing exemptions to decide which time standard to apply, and agencies would need to update related rules and schedules to match the new permanent standard.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Agencies, transportation systems, and broadcasters that rely on current time rules would need to update schedules and guidance. States holding existing exemptions must make a formal choice, which could create different local time standards near state borders.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 7/24/2026