WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1290

General Provisions - Full-Year Daylight Saving Time

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Stonko

Withdrawn bill proposing year-round daylight saving time in Maryland faces federal legal barriers and regional coordination challenges.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1290

Legislative bill overview

HB 1290 would establish permanent daylight saving time year-round in Maryland, eliminating the twice-yearly clock changes. The bill was introduced in the Health and Government Operations Committee but was withdrawn by sponsor Josh Stonko on February 24, 2025, before a scheduled hearing could occur.

Why is this important

Permanent daylight saving time has become a recurring policy debate, with proponents arguing it reduces accidents, boosts economic activity, and improves public health by increasing evening daylight. However, the issue is complicated by federal law—the Uniform Time Act allows states to opt into permanent standard time but not permanent daylight saving time without federal approval, which Maryland would need to navigate.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance concerns: The Uniform Time Act may prevent Maryland from unilaterally implementing year-round daylight saving time without Congressional action
  • Regional coordination: Neighboring states' different time policies could create economic and scheduling complications for border communities
  • Health trade-offs: While evening daylight has benefits, permanent daylight saving time means darker winter mornings, which some research links to increased accidents and circadian rhythm disruption

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

Sign in to ask a question.