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 establishes that the State of New Jersey will permanently observe Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)—the one-hour advancement of time typically used during warmer months—year-round, eliminating the need to transition back to Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the winter. This permanent shift will only take effect if the federal government changes current laws, specifically the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round. Proponents of the legislation note that staying on daylight saving time year-round would help avoid the disruptions to commerce, daily schedules, health, and public safety caused by the biannual time change, citing studies that link the spring transition to sleep-deprivation-related traffic fatalities and increased heart attack risks, while pointing to potential long-term benefits like reduced pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents due to better evening visibility.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Bill Topics
Government Operations
- ‐ General Government Operations
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1703 | 01/28/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1703_I2.HTM | 09/11/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1703_I1.HTM | 01/28/2026 |
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