Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR46

Introduced
3/17/25  
Refer
3/17/25  

Caption

Petitioning the Congress of the United States to end the biannual time change and establish a uniform, year-round time system.

Impact

If implemented, this resolution would significantly alter how time is regulated within the state of Pennsylvania and could potentially set a precedent for other states looking to streamline their time management. The advocates for the resolution point out various advantages tied to maintaining a constant time, citing benefits such as improved mental health, decreased risk of heart disease, and increased productivity within the workforce. The bill encapsulates widespread public and legislative sentiment for a change that could enhance daily life by eliminating the disruptive cycle of time changes.

Summary

Senate Resolution 46 urges Congress to abolish the biannual time change associated with daylight saving time and establish a uniform, year-round time system. The resolution references the history of time changes in the United States, notably the implementation of daylight saving time during World War I and World War II, and highlights the discrepancies of how various states and territories manage time. It underscores the demand for a legislative change that would eliminate spring and fall clock adjustments, advocating for a consistent time throughout the year.

Sentiment

Public sentiment around SR46 appears to be largely positive, bolstered by research that supports the claimed health and social advantages of a stable, year-round time structure. Proponents of the resolution advocate that this change would not only improve individual well-being but would also lead to broader economic benefits such as energy conservation and reduced accidents. While the resolution may face opposition from those accustomed to the traditional method of timekeeping, the prevailing trends suggest an increasing momentum towards a unified time across states.

Contention

The main contention lies in the need for federal approval to implement such a change, as current federal law prohibits states from unilaterally discontinuing biannual time changes. This necessitates the action of Congress to approve legislation that either sets daylight saving time or standard time as permanent. The resolution poses significant questions regarding the impacts of such a change on interstate agreements and logistics, and while the benefits may seem straightforward, the implications of altering the timekeeping system are complex and require thorough evaluation by federal lawmakers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR349

Urging the Congress of the United States to require all states to permanently observe daylight saving time year-round.

PA HB153

Amending the act of April 13, 1887 (P.L.21, No.18), entitled "An act for the establishment of a uniform standard of time throughout the Commonwealth," observing daylight saving time year-around if authorized by the Congress of the United States.

PA A10571

Establishes daylight saving time as the year-round standard time of the state and the city of New York.

PA HR468

Recognizing the D.C. Statehood Compact and petitioning the Congress of the United States to admit Washington, D.C., into the Union.

PA HB112

Daylight Saving Time Year-round

PA S293

Establishes permanent standard time in NJ.

PA HB293

Congressional primaries; change time for holding in years without presidential election.

PA HCR14

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

PA SB64

Relating to observing standard time year-round and authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round.

PA HCR6006

Urging this state's congressional delegation to end foreign aid programs pending control of the United States debt situation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.