Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0329

Introduced
2/22/23  

Caption

An act relating to the establishment of year-round U.S. Eastern Daylight Saving Time

Impact

The enactment of H0329 would mean that Vermont residents would experience prolonged daylight in the evenings throughout the year, which supporters argue could enhance recreational activities and promote social interactions during warmer months. This change could potentially influence various sectors including tourism, retail, and local businesses that thrive with extended daylight hours. However, the bill does stipulate that its implementation is contingent upon congressional authorization to eliminate the observance of U.S. Eastern Standard Time across New England, reflecting an intergovernmental consideration in its execution.

Summary

House Bill H0329, introduced by Representative Chase of Colchester, aims to establish Vermont on U.S. Eastern Daylight Saving Time year-round. The bill proposes an amendment to the existing law regarding standard time in Vermont, specifically suggesting that the state would not revert to U.S. Eastern Standard Time, thus maintaining an hour ahead of the mean astronomical time throughout the year. This change intends to standardize the timekeeping within the state and to align with Eastern Daylight Time continuously.

Contention

Discussions around the bill may raise debates about the practicality and consequences of staying on daylight saving time year-round. Opponents might cite concerns regarding health issues associated with time changes, effects on sleep patterns, and general disruption to schedules, particularly in winter months when daylight is limited. The bill reflects broader themes of regional collaboration, as it mandates synchronization with other New England states, potentially necessitating legislative dialogue among neighboring jurisdictions. As such, it poses a noteworthy decision point for the state concerning time management and its socio-economic ramifications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H0267

An act relating to the establishment of year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time

VT HB165

General Provisions - Standard Time - Year-Round Daylight Saving Time

VT HB1297

Daylight Saving Time Year Round

VT HB126

General Provisions – Standard Time – Year–Round Daylight Saving Time

VT AB2868

Year-round daylight saving time.

VT SB268

General Provisions - Full-Year Daylight Savings Time

VT SB534

General Provisions - Full-Year Daylight Savings Time

VT HB364

Daylight Act This bill allows states to observe daylight savings time year-round. (States may already choose to observe standard time year-round.)

VT HB1290

General Provisions - Full-Year Daylight Saving Time

VT HB300

Daylight ActThis bill allows states to observe daylight saving time year-round. (States may already choose to observe standard time year-round.)

Similar Bills

CA AB807

Daylight saving time.

CA AJR33

Daylight saving time.

CA AB2868

Year-round daylight saving time.

CA AB7

Daylight saving time.

CA SB51

Permanent standard time.

NJ S1510

Establishes permanent daylight saving time in NJ.

NJ S946

Establishes permanent daylight saving time in NJ.

NJ A1365

Establishes permanent daylight saving time in NJ.