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SB 26

An Act petitioning the United States Department of Transportation to change the time zones of Alaska; exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Bynum and 7 co-sponsors

Alaska petitions federal government to exempt the state from daylight saving time year-round, addressing extreme seasonal daylight variations and potential health impacts.

(H) <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Delayed to a Call of the Chair --
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 26

Legislative bill overview

SB 26 petitions the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow Alaska to permanently exempt itself from daylight saving time and potentially realign its time zones. The bill seeks federal approval to keep Alaska on standard time year-round rather than alternating between Alaska Standard Time and Alaska Daylight Time.

Why is this important

Alaska's extreme latitude creates unusual daylight patterns—summer days with nearly 24 hours of light and winter days with minimal sunlight—making daylight saving time less relevant than in lower latitudes. The bill addresses concerns about health impacts, sleep disruption, and the practicality of time changes in a state where daylight hours vary dramatically by season and region.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority requirements: The U.S. Department of Transportation must approve any permanent time zone exemptions; Alaska cannot unilaterally change without federal consent, making this petition's success uncertain
  • Interstate commerce complications: Permanent time differences with neighboring Pacific time zones (and within Alaska's own regions) could create scheduling and business coordination challenges for transportation, telecommunications, and commerce
  • Rural vs. urban impacts: Alaska's vast geography means different communities experience daylight extremes differently; a one-size-fits-all approach may not serve all regions equally well

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

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