Bill > H0538

This bill proposes to establish year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time for Vermont, meaning the state would no longer observe Daylight Saving Time. The bill includes findings that standard time aligns better with natural solar time and that changing clocks twice a year is disruptive to well-being and safety, with scientific and educational communities supporting standard time for optimal conditions. It amends existing law to remove provisions for advancing clocks for Daylight Saving Time and repeals the governor's authority to adjust time to match neighboring states. The transition to year-round standard time would occur on January 1st of the year following when Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York also adopt year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time, as permitted by federal law (15 U.S.C. § 260a). Certain sections of the bill, including the findings and transition provisions, would take effect on July 1, 2026, while the change to year-round standard time itself would take effect as outlined in the transition section.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.538