WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 940

An Act relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill permits permanent adoption of daylight saving time or alternative schedule to eliminate twice-yearly clock changes, pending federal approval and regional coordination.

House concurred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 940

Legislative bill overview

SD 940 seeks to authorize Massachusetts to adopt permanent daylight saving time (or another alternative time arrangement) rather than switching between Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time twice annually. The bill aligns with the federal Uniform Time Act framework, which allows states to opt out of daylight saving time transitions.

Why is this important

Switching between time zones twice yearly creates measurable public health and safety impacts, including increased heart attacks and traffic accidents around transition dates. Permanent time adoption would eliminate these disruptions, though it requires federal approval and coordination with neighboring states to avoid timezone fragmentation that complicates interstate commerce and travel.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance complexity: The bill requires alignment with federal law; states can permanently observe Standard Time without federal permission, but permanent Daylight Time requires federal approval under current law, creating uncertainty
  • Regional coordination concerns: Massachusetts borders multiple states with different time policies; unilateral action could create confusion for businesses and travelers, particularly with New York and Connecticut
  • Trade-offs between options: The bill authorizes alternatives but doesn't specify which permanent time is preferred, leaving questions about whether permanent Standard Time (darker mornings) or permanent Daylight Time (darker evenings) better serves public interests

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

Sign in to ask a question.