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Bill

LC 1230

Authorize Montana to stay on standard time throughout the entire year

2025 Regular Session

Bill authorizes Montana to stay on Mountain Standard Time year-round, eliminating seasonal time changes to improve public health.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 1230

Legislative bill overview

LC 1230 would authorize Montana to remain on Mountain Standard Time year-round, eliminating the practice of switching to Daylight Saving Time during summer months. This requires federal exemption under the Uniform Time Act, which allows states to stay on standard time but not on daylight saving time permanently.

Why is this important

Sleep researchers and health organizations have identified health risks associated with twice-yearly time changes, including increased heart attacks, strokes, and traffic accidents around the transition dates. If enacted, Montana residents would experience one consistent sleep schedule, though they would remain on standard time (earlier sunrises, earlier sunsets) rather than the daylight time most prefer during summer.

Potential points of contention

  • Regional coordination problems: Montana borders Idaho and Wyoming; misaligned time zones create confusion for border communities, businesses, and transportation schedules
  • Summer darkness concerns: Staying on standard time means sunrise times in winter around 8:30 AM but sunset around 5 PM in summer, with some arguing this wastes evening daylight when people are most active
  • Federal compliance: The bill must navigate Uniform Time Act restrictions and potentially competing federal interests regarding interstate commerce and communication standards

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

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