Are you sick of changing your clocks twice a year? So are many Utahns, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill are taking steps to address it. Here’s what you oughta know.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is the practice of moving clocks forward one hour during the warmer months (spring forward), and turning the clocks back one hour in the colder months (fall back). The idea is to make better use of the natural daylight.
Many health experts, however, say that standard time is better for our health. Changing the clock increases risk of health issues like heart attack and stroke, and disrupts your sleep cycle.
What Is The Bill?
Bill HB120, introduced by Rep. Joseph Elison (R-Toquerville), proposes that Utah adopt standard time all year long. This would mean the sun would rise and set earlier in the summer.
While federal law prevents states from adopting permanent daylight time without congressional approval, states can choose to independently adopt standard time.
Utah wouldn’t be the only state to make this change. Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii don’t participate in Daylight Saving Time.
What’s Next?
Passing its first hurdle, the bill unanimously cleared a House committee. If approved by the House and Senate, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. It also leaves the door open for Utah to move to permanent daylight saving time if the U.S. Congress allows it in the future.
