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HB 5683

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADOPTION OF ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 5 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill proposes adopting Atlantic Standard Time, moving the state one hour ahead and out of sync with neighboring Eastern Time Zone states.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
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Bill Summary · HB 5683

Legislative bill overview

HB 5683 proposes that Connecticut adopt Atlantic Standard Time as its permanent time zone, replacing the current Eastern Time Zone. This would move the state one hour ahead of its current time, aligning Connecticut with Atlantic Canada and other Atlantic region jurisdictions.

Why is this important

Permanent time zone changes affect sleep schedules, business operations, school start times, and coordination with neighboring states and the broader economy. The shift could impact Connecticut's alignment with New York and other neighboring states, potentially creating regional coordination challenges for commerce, transportation, and daily life.

Potential points of contention

  • Regional coordination: Connecticut would no longer align with New York, Massachusetts, and most nearby states on the Eastern Time Zone, complicating interstate business, scheduling, and transportation
  • Disruption costs: Changing time zones requires updates to infrastructure, systems, signage, and public adjustment periods, with uncertain economic benefits
  • Federal authority questions: Time zone changes involve federal oversight through the Department of Transportation, raising questions about the bill's viability and whether federal approval is secured or even possible
  • Sleep and health impacts: Moving time an hour forward could negatively affect morning darkness and circadian rhythms, particularly for children and early workers
  • Economic rationale: The bill's stated benefits and economic justification are unclear compared to the demonstrated costs of implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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