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Bill

Bill

S 293

Establishes permanent standard time in NJ.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Turner

New Jersey bill would eliminate daylight saving time and keep the state on permanent standard time year-round, affecting sunrise/sunset times and daily schedules.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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Bill Summary · S 293

Legislative bill overview

S 293 would establish permanent standard time in New Jersey, eliminating the practice of switching between Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time. The bill would keep the state on standard time year-round rather than observing daylight saving time.

Why is this important

Permanent time change would affect New Jersey residents' daily schedules, work hours, and when sunrise/sunset occurs. Federal law currently allows states to adopt permanent standard time (but not permanent daylight time), so this aligns with federal authority, though it requires coordination with neighboring states and federal approval for certain aspects.

Potential points of contention

  • Darkness in winter mornings: Permanent standard time means sunrise could occur around 7:30-8:00 AM in winter, potentially affecting school start times and commute safety
  • Interstate coordination: Neighboring states (New York, Pennsylvania) would need to adopt similar changes to avoid regional time zone complications for businesses and commuters
  • Public preference mismatch: Many Americans prefer staying on daylight time year-round rather than standard time, creating potential political opposition despite the bill's proposal

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

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