Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1568

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  

Caption

An Act To Observe Standard Time Year Round In Arkansas; And To Eliminate Daylight Saving Time In Arkansas.

Impact

The enactment of HB1568 would fundamentally alter how time is observed in Arkansas. By removing the switch to daylight saving time, the bill seeks to simplify time management for residents, businesses, and government entities. It will help eliminate confusion around scheduling events and appointments that arise from differing time standards, particularly for those in neighboring states that continue to observe daylight saving time. This change potentially has implications for various sectors, including transportation, education, and business operations throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 1568, titled 'An Act To Observe Standard Time Year Round In Arkansas; And To Eliminate Daylight Saving Time In Arkansas,' proposes a significant change to the state's approach to time regulation. The bill aims to abolish the observance of daylight saving time in Arkansas, establishing the solar time of the ninetieth meridian west of Greenwich, also known as central standard time, as the official time throughout the year. This shift is intended to provide Arkansas with a consistent time standard, eliminating the semi-annual clock changes that accompany daylight saving time.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1568 is mixed. Supporters argue that eliminating daylight saving time would enhance productivity, reduce confusion, and align timekeeping with natural daylight patterns, ultimately benefiting public health and well-being. However, opponents express concern about the complications that may arise during the transitional period and the implications for synchronized schedules with neighboring states that continue observing daylight saving time. The discussion often reflects broader debates about how time regulation affects daily life and societal functioning.

Contention

Notable points of contention regard the potential disruption to established schedules that depend on daylight saving time. Critics question whether the advantages of changing the time system outweigh the complications introduced in coordinating with states that maintain the historic practice of seasonal time changes. Additionally, discussions around work adjustments for state employees during the transition period emphasize the complexities that may arise for those scheduled to accommodate both standards at various times of the year.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1010

An Act For The Arkansas State University - Arkansas Biosciences Institute Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB32

An Act For The South Arkansas College Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1052

An Act For The North Arkansas College Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1004

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR HCR1002

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SR23

To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.

AR SB14

An Act For The Arkansas Public Defender Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1028

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas State Library Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.