Bill > SB5001

This bill aims to implement year-round Pacific standard time in Washington state, permanently ending the practice of switching between standard time and daylight saving time. The legislature finds that changing clocks twice a year has negative impacts on public health, including increased risks of heart attacks, workplace injuries, and suicide rates, as well as potential disruptions to agriculture and economic activities. While a previous bill in 2019 authorized year-round daylight saving time pending federal approval, Congress has not changed federal law. Therefore, this bill exercises the state's rights under the Uniform Time Act to exempt Washington from daylight saving time and remain on standard time throughout the year. The bill amends existing state laws to prohibit counties, cities, and other political subdivisions from adopting daylight saving time, with exceptions for federal authorities and interstate commerce. The changes will take effect on November 3, 2025, and repeal previous laws related to daylight saving time, ensuring that Washington will consistently observe Pacific standard time as designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5001&Year=2025&Initiative=false