WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5795

Implementing year-round Pacific standard time.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 12 co-sponsors

Washington would establish permanent Pacific Standard Time year-round, eliminating seasonal clock changes to potentially improve public health and reduce administrative disruption from daylight saving transitions.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 1:30 PM.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5795

Legislative bill overview

SB 5795 proposes to establish year-round Pacific Standard Time in Washington state, eliminating the seasonal clock changes between Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The bill would keep the state on standard time throughout the year rather than observing daylight saving time.

Why is this important

Daylight saving time transitions affect sleep patterns, workplace safety, and health outcomes, with research showing increased traffic accidents and health complications around clock-change dates. This bill addresses growing calls from multiple states to standardize time, potentially improving public health and reducing administrative burden from biannual clock changes.

Potential points of contention

  • Interstate coordination concerns: Washington's decision could create scheduling complications with neighboring states (Oregon, Idaho, California) depending on their own time choices, affecting business, transportation, and communication across borders
  • Morning darkness trade-off: Year-round PST means darker winter mornings, potentially affecting school start times, workplace safety in early hours, and childhood circadian rhythms—critics argue the trade-offs may not justify the benefits
  • Federal constraints: Federal law allows states to remain on standard time year-round but prohibits year-round daylight time; this bill complies but reflects ongoing tension between local preferences and national coordination frameworks

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

Sign in to ask a question.