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Bill

S 4084

Establishes permanent standard time in NJ.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Turner

New Jersey bill would keep the state on Eastern Standard Time year-round, eliminating seasonal time switches but requiring federal authorization and coordination with neighboring states.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4084

Legislative bill overview

S 4084 would establish permanent standard time (Eastern Standard Time year-round) in New Jersey, eliminating the practice of switching between standard time and daylight saving time. This means New Jersey would not "spring forward" in March or "fall back" in October.

Why is this important

Daylight saving time transitions disrupt sleep patterns, increase car accidents, and raise health concerns according to research. However, New Jersey's ability to implement permanent standard time depends on federal law—the Uniform Time Act currently prohibits states from choosing permanent standard time unless they opt out of DST entirely and remain on standard time permanently (rather than permanent daylight time).

Potential points of contention

  • Federal law compliance: New Jersey may lack authority to unilaterally adopt permanent standard time without federal approval or clarification of existing law
  • Interstate coordination: Neighboring states (New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut) observe daylight saving time, potentially creating scheduling and business complications
  • Early darkness: Permanent standard time means much darker evenings in winter months (sunset around 4:30 PM in December), which some argue reduces evening activity and safety

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

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