Bill > S1510

This bill, if enacted, would establish permanent daylight saving time in New Jersey, but only if the federal government authorizes states to observe it year-round. The bill amends existing New Jersey law to redefine the state's standard time to be Coordinated Universal Time minus four hours, which is equivalent to Eastern Daylight Time, and removes the current provisions for switching back to standard time. The legislative findings highlight that residents and businesses have become accustomed to the longer period of daylight saving time and that the biannual time change is disruptive to commerce, daily schedules, safety, and health, citing studies that link the time shifts to increased risks of heart attacks and fatal car crashes, while also suggesting that permanent daylight saving time could reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle fatalities and improve visibility at dusk. The bill also makes conforming changes to laws regarding horse racing hours and securities registration to reflect the potential permanent shift to daylight saving time. The provisions related to establishing permanent daylight saving time would take effect immediately upon federal authorization, while the amendments to specific sections of existing law would take effect on the first Sunday in November following that federal authorization.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1510