summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
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, 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. If the federal government amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the Legislature shall require that the State of New Jersey observe daylight saving time year-round. Sections 1 and 2 of this bill would take effect immediately. Sections 3, 4, and 5 of this bill would take effect on the first Sunday in November following the effective date of federal authorization 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 to Eastern Standard Time (EST) for four months each year. The bill acknowledges that current federal law, the "Uniform Time Act of 1966," prohibits states from observing daylight saving time year-round, but it states that if Congress amends this law to allow for permanent daylight saving time, New Jersey will adopt it. The bill argues that the biannual time change is disruptive to commerce, daily schedules, safety, and health, citing studies that link the time shifts to increased heart attack risk and fatal car crashes, while permanent daylight saving time could reduce pedestrian and vehicle fatalities. The bill's provisions to enact this change would take effect immediately, with the actual implementation of permanent daylight saving time contingent on federal authorization and scheduled for the first Sunday in November following that authorization.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/A1703 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1703_I1.HTM |
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