summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides for the State of New Jersey to permanently observe daylight saving time by remaining on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) year-round. For four months each calendar year, the standard time of New Jersey is Eastern Standard Time (EST), or five hours offset from Coordinated Universal Time. From 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March until 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, the State participates in the one-hour advancement of time, commonly referred to as "daylight saving time." The people of New Jersey have become more accustomed to the eight months of daylight saving time each year than the four months of standard time. Several studies have shown the biannual change between EST and EDT is disruptive to commerce and to the daily schedules, safety, and health of the citizens of the country, and therefore, the residents of this State. Under the federal "Uniform Time Act of 1966," states are not permitted to observe daylight saving time year-round. The bill provides that, if the federal government amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the Legislature is to require the State of New Jersey to observe daylight saving time year-round.
AI Summary
This bill proposes that New Jersey permanently observe daylight saving time, meaning the state would remain on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) year-round, instead of switching back and forth between EDT and Eastern Standard Time (EST) as is currently done. The bill acknowledges that under current federal law, states cannot observe daylight saving time year-round, but it states that if the federal government amends its laws to allow this, New Jersey's legislature will then require the state to adopt permanent daylight saving time. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing state laws, such as those related to horse racing and securities registration, to reflect the permanent shift to daylight saving time, and specifies that these changes will only take effect once federal authorization is granted.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 02/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3236 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3236_I1.HTM |
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