New Jersey Lawmakers Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time to End Twice-Yearly Clock Changes

New Jersey residents may not have to change their clocks every two years under the proposed law. Workers, students, and pet owners have long complained that spring and fall clock changes make it hard to sleep and follow their schedules. The state wants to make DST permanent to eliminate seasonal clock changes.

The New Jersey Senate passed year-round DST. Supporters say the old system is useless. Since DST is used most of the year, they say standard time is pointless.

New Jersey can use standard time year-round, but DST needs federal approval. Hawaii and Arizona are the only year-round standard time states. Over a dozen states allow year-round DST. This shows that Americans nationwide dislike changing the clocks twice a year.

Lawmakers and experts worry that clock changes could harm public health and safety. Sleeping an hour less in spring can make you tired, less alert, and unable to focus, like jet lag. Studies show more car accidents, work injuries, and heart attacks after time changes.

State senators who support the bill say eliminating time changes is beneficial. Year-round DST may improve health, schedules, and evening commutes. New polls show most Americans don’t want seasonal clocks.

NJ needs federal approval to end DST permanently. However, state law would greatly modernize time. Routines make families, communities, and the state safer and healthier, according to lawmakers and public health advocates.

Sources
National Conference of State Legislatures
Statements from New Jersey State Senate Transportation Committee
Public health and safety studies on daylight saving time