Bill
SB 126
SB 126 would end daylight saving time in the state, making standard time year-round, contingent on voter approval in the November 3, 2026 referendum.
Summary
- SB 126 would direct the state to stop observing Daylight Saving Time (DST) — i.e., remain on standard time year‑round — and submit that change to voters for approval by statewide referendum.
- The change is made pursuant to federal law (15 U.S.C. § 260a), which permits states to opt out of DST and remain on standard time.
Key provisions
- statewide exemption from DST: The bill declares that “this entire state, including all political subdivisions,” is exempt from and “shall not follow daylight saving time or the advancement of time.”
- voter referendum requirement: The bill does not become effective automatically. It must be submitted to the state’s electors at the general election on November 3, 2026. If a majority of voters approve the measure, the act takes effect 30 days after the official declaration of the vote.
- conformity with federal law: The measure relies on the federal statutory authority that allows states to opt out of DST (i.e., to observe standard time year‑round). It does not attempt to adopt permanent DST (which currently requires Congressional action).
Who would be affected
- Residents: daily schedules, sunrise/sunset clock times, and perceived daylight patterns would change in autumn/winter relative to current DST practice.
- Businesses and employers: operating hours, shift scheduling, retail and service patterns, and interactions with out‑of‑state partners could require adjustments.
- Schools, transit agencies, public safety and health services: scheduling and staffing may need review and coordination.
- State and local government agencies: administrative updates, statute/regulation review, and public communications will be required.
- Interstate and international commerce, transportation and broadcasting: coordination with jurisdictions that continue to use DST may create cross‑border scheduling complications.
- Technology and critical infrastructure: timekeeping systems, databases, calendars, and IT services will require configuration/testing to ensure correct timestamps and scheduling.
Procedural / timeline notes
- Introduced: January 23, 2025 (status: referred to Committee on Government Operations).
- Referendum: the question must be placed on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot per the bill. The law would take effect only if a majority of voters approve; then it becomes effective 30 days after official vote certification.
- Implementation tasks (administrative, technical, legal) would follow voter approval: updating statutes and regulations that reference DST, notifying federal agencies and interstate partners, and modifying state IT/timekeeping systems.
Important legal point
- Under current federal law, a state may opt out of DST and remain on standard time year‑round, but a state cannot unilaterally adopt permanent DST without federal authorization from Congress. This bill opts for the simpler, permissible path of eliminating participation in DST (i.e., observing standard time year‑round), subject to voter approval.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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