Bipartisan Bill to Keep Daylight Saving Time Gains Momentum, Could End Miserable Early Winter Sunsets

Permanent Daylight Saving Time Could Finally Become Reality

I know you've heard this before. Every few years, lawmakers start talking about putting an end to it getting dark at 4 PM in the winter, people get excited, and then the bills end up DOA. That's why a lot of folks aren't holding their breath. But things are looking a little different this time around.

January and February are the 'Black Hole' Months

There is something truly magical about this time of year. When I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, the sun is already out and beaming. Birds are chirping, and the world is alive. In the evening, I can work at the barn until about 8 PM and still drive home in daylight. My husband doesn't love eating dinner at 9 PM, but those are summer hours!

Now, don't get me wrong. Christmas is the most magical time of year. But let me remind you that it's dark until about 6:30 or 7 AM, and it gets dark around 4:30 or 5 PM. When Daylight Saving Time ends, it makes mornings a little brighter, but if you work until 5, don't expect much daylight in your day. It's sad, it's miserable, it's cold, and I hate it. Once all the joy and magic of Christmas is over, winter feels like a black hole until March.

But a new bill called the Sunshine Protection Act is gaining political momentum and aims to keep Daylight Saving Time year-round.

What Is the Sunshine Protection Act?

This year, Daylight Saving Time runs from March 8, 2026, through November 1, 2026. During that time, clocks are moved forward one hour.

The concept of Daylight Saving Time actually dates back more than a century, according to war.gov. In the United States, it first became official on March 19, 1918, when the Standard Time Act was signed into law during World War I. Known as "war time," it was intended to provide additional daylight hours and help conserve energy.

The law also established the five time zones we still use today. However, it was quickly repealed after about a year and a half. It returned during World War II before being repealed again when the war ended.

At that point, states were allowed to make their own decisions regarding Daylight Saving Time, creating years of confusion and logistical headaches.

If you live in Southern Indiana, you probably understand that frustration better than most. For years, figuring out what time it was just a few counties away could feel like solving a math problem. Even today, Evansville and the surrounding metro area operate on Central Time while much of the rest of Indiana is on Eastern Time. If you need to go to French Lick or Indianapolis, you know the struggle of figuring out what time you need to leave your house. I can't imagine having to go on the day clocks change!

Fun fact: Only six Indiana counties are currently on Central Time as part of the Evansville metro area: Gibson, Perry, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties.

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How Daylight Saving Time Became Standardized

In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which made Daylight Saving Time a nationwide practice from spring through fall. The newly created Department of Transportation was given authority over time zones and DST regulations.

Only minor changes have been made since then. States can opt out of Daylight Saving Time entirely, which is why Hawaii and most of Arizona don't observe it. U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam, also do not participate.

At one time, Indiana did not participate in DST, which caused quite a bit of controversy. But on April 2, 2006, the state of Indiana became the 48th state to observe daylight saving time.

Why Congress Is Looking at Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 48-1 in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make the change part of a five-year transportation bill.

Bills like this have been introduced before, but they typically get cut before "seeing light." This time, however, supporters believe it may have a better chance.

President Donald Trump recently voiced support for the measure on Truth Social.

"We are going with the far more popular alternative, Saving Daylight, which gives you a longer, brighter Day — And who can be against that — This is an easy one," he wrote.

Trump also argued that eliminating the clock changes could save money and reduce inconvenience for states, cities, and residents.

Why Health Experts are in Favor of the Change

Many health experts have lobbied for this change for several years. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has been very open about the effects of biannual time changes on our sleep schedules and health.

“By causing the human body clock to be misaligned with the natural environment, daylight saving time increases risks to our physical health, mental well-being, and public safety,” Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, who is chair of the AASM Public Safety Committee and a pulmonary, sleep medicine, and critical care specialist at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, said in a statement. “Permanent standard time is the optimal choice for health and safety.”

Researchers have documented the spike in workplace and motor vehicle accidents right after Daylight Saving Time changes for years. Studies frequently show a 6% to 16% increase in motor vehicle crashes in the days immediately following the time change.

Why We Haven't Switched Yet

Now, you might be wondering why this hasn't happened already. Who wants it to get dark at 4:30 PM?

Well, almost nobody. But there are other factors to consider.

If Daylight Saving Time became permanent, winter sunrises in northern states wouldn't happen until after 8:30 AM in some areas. As a mom whose kid gets on the bus at 6:30 in the morning, I can tell you that's a recipe for disaster. Small children would be standing outside in complete darkness waiting for the bus.

Late sunrises could also create safety concerns for people who start work early, especially those in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and other outdoor jobs. Farmers and other occupations that rely heavily on daylight hours could also be affected.

What Happens Next?

The Sunshine Protection Act was bundled into the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act and now awaits a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

If approved by the House, it would move to the Senate. If it passes there, it would then require the President's signature before the United States could permanently end the twice-yearly clock changes. And well, he's been pretty open about his stance on it.

So, we wait.

In the meantime, bring on the sunshine!

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Source: WTHR 13