Daylight Saving Time 2025: Will This Be the Last Time Clocks Change?

Image credits: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune

As the United States prepares to switch to daylight saving time on March 9, lawmakers are reviving efforts to eliminate the decades-long practice of changing clocks twice a year. The time change has been a topic of debate, with some arguing it is inconvenient and costly, while others see it as a way to reduce energy consumption and promote outdoor activities. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make daylight saving time permanent, was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate in 2022 but did not pass the House of Representatives.

In Texas, lawmakers have filed legislation to adopt daylight saving time year-round or to opt out of the time change altogether. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini has filed a bill that would adopt standard time year-round, while Rep. Will Metcalf has filed a bill to observe daylight saving time year-round. The Uniform Time Act allows states to exempt themselves from daylight saving time, but if they do observe it, it must begin and end on federally mandated dates. The Standard Time Act of 1918 was the first law to implement standard and daylight saving times at the federal level.

• The Sunshine Protection Act aims to make daylight saving time permanent.
• Lawmakers in Texas have filed legislation to adopt daylight saving time year-round or to opt out of the time change.
• The Uniform Time Act allows states to exempt themselves from daylight saving time.

Studies have shown that the time change can have negative effects on health, including increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and mood disturbances. Sleep experts argue that standard time is healthier because it aligns more with the body's natural circadian rhythms. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that half of people support legislation that would eliminate seasonal time changes, while a quarter do not support it and 24% are unsure.

The debate over daylight saving time is ongoing, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to reduce energy consumption and promote outdoor activities, while others see it as an outdated practice that disrupts sleep patterns and causes health problems. As the country prepares to switch to daylight saving time, lawmakers will continue to debate the issue and consider legislation that could potentially eliminate the time change or make it permanent.