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HB 1069

TO OBSERVE STANDARD TIME YEAR ROUND IN ARKANSAS; AND TO ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IN ARKANSAS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Meeks

HB 1069 sought to keep Arkansas on Central Standard Time year-round, eliminating daylight saving time to reduce confusion and improve daily routines for residents.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1069

Summary of House Bill 1069

Bill Number: HB 1069
Title: To Observe Standard Time Year Round in Arkansas; and to Eliminate Daylight Saving Time in Arkansas
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: December 18, 2024
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1069 aimed to establish standard time as the year-round time in Arkansas, effectively eliminating the practice of daylight saving time (DST). The bill sought to align Arkansas with a growing trend among states to abandon the biannual clock changes associated with DST, which many argue disrupts daily routines and has negative health impacts.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to Arkansas law:

  1. Year-Round Standard Time:

    • Arkansas would observe Central Standard Time (CST) year-round, defined as the solar time of the ninetieth meridian west of Greenwich.

  2. Exemption from Daylight Saving Time:

    • The bill invoked the exemption provision of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, allowing Arkansas to opt out of DST.

  3. Impact on State Employees:

    • State employees would have the option to adjust their work schedules one hour earlier during the period when other states observe DST, if feasible.

  4. Monitoring Federal Legislation:

    • The Secretary of State would be tasked with monitoring any changes to the federal law regarding DST. If the federal government mandated permanent DST, Arkansas would switch to observing DST year-round.

  5. Notification Protocol:

    • The Secretary of State would be required to inform key state officials within five business days if a federal mandate for permanent DST was enacted.

Affected Parties

  • General Public: Residents of Arkansas would experience a consistent time throughout the year, eliminating the confusion and disruption caused by the clock changes.
  • State Employees: Those working for the state would have the flexibility to adjust their schedules in line with DST if they choose.
  • Businesses and Organizations: Local businesses and organizations would benefit from a stable time framework, potentially improving scheduling and operations.

Legislative Timeline

  • December 18, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Bill read for the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs.
  • February 13, 2025: Bill placed on second reading for amendment; Amendment No. 1 adopted and bill ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1069 aimed to simplify timekeeping in Arkansas by eliminating daylight saving time, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage. The bill reflects ongoing discussions about the relevance and impact of DST in modern society.

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

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