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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 368

Bill overview

HB 368 seeks to exempt the Commonwealth of Kentucky from the observance of daylight saving time (DST). In effect, if enacted, Kentucky would no longer follow the biannual clock changes and would instead align with a fixed standard time year-round.

Main purpose and intent

  • To permanently adopt a single time standard within Kentucky by removing the obligation to adjust clocks forward in spring or backward in fall.
  • The bill aims to align Kentucky with a non-DST schedule, reducing clock changes and potential disruptions associated with DST transitions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeal or modification of DST observance: The bill would eliminate the annual clock-change requirement for Kentucky, effectively choosing a fixed time (the bill does not specify whether Kentucky would remain on standard time year-round or align with a nationwide permanent standard time; the exact mechanism would be defined in the text of the bill).
  • Administrative adjustments: Likely adjustments to statutes referencing DST-related timekeeping, scheduling, and regulatory deadlines to reflect a year-round fixed time.
  • Potential alignment references: The bill may include provisions to coordinate with federal law or neighboring states, given the interstate nature of time observance, though specific language would provide details.

Who and what would be affected

  • General population: Residents, businesses, schools, and government operations would experience a constant time standard year-round, affecting daily schedules, broadcasts, transportation timetables, and public services.
  • Businesses and industries sensitive to time changes (e.g., airlines, freight, broadcasting, healthcare) would gain predictability by removing DST transition periods.
  • Government agencies and state entities: Administrative rules, compliance deadlines, and statutory time references would need to align with the new fixed time standard.
  • Interstate considerations: With DST observance varying by state, Kentucky’s change could impact scheduling with bordering states and nationwide systems that reference Kentucky time.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: January 14, 2026.
  • Referral: Assigned to Committee on Committees in the House (H) on January 14, 2026.
  • Further action: As of the current record, the bill has progressed to the State Government committee, with no additional floor action documented yet.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would move through hearings, potential amendments, and House floor votes, followed by consideration in the Senate and any required reconciliations or governor’s assent. Timing would depend on committee hearings and legislative calendar.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated aim to exempt Kentucky from DST observance. The exact definitions (which fixed time Kentucky would adopt—permanent standard time or another arrangement) and implementation details will be specified in the bill’s full text.
  • For precise language on how statutory references, timelines, and interstate coordination are addressed, the full bill text should be consulted once available.

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

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