Bill > S2157

This bill proposes three main provisions related to Massachusetts time zones and education. First, it seeks to change the standard time in Massachusetts to Atlantic standard time and permanently opt out of daylight saving time changes, which would apply to all state and local government operations, public schools, institutions, and contracts. Second, this change would only take effect if two or more neighboring states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, or Maine) also adopt similar legislation or request placement in the Atlantic standard time zone. Third, the bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to convene an educational task force within 90 days of the act's effective date to study the impact of school start times on students, including academic performance and adolescent sleep needs. The task force must hold public hearings, gather input from stakeholders like teachers and parents, and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the joint committee on education within 12 months. Additionally, the governor is mandated to petition the U.S. Department of Transportation within 120 days to include Massachusetts in the Atlantic standard time zone, as permitted by the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2157