General Provisions - Standard Time - Year-Round Daylight Saving Time
The bill is contingent upon the enactment of similar legislation by neighboring states including Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia, and on the amendment of federal law under 15 U.S.C. § 260a. This legislation indicates that the shift to year-round EDT will not take effect until these conditions are met, suggesting that the bill is part of a broader regional effort to change time observance. Should these conditions not be fulfilled, the provisions of HB165 would be rendered null and void by December 31, 2028.
House Bill 165 proposes to establish Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) as the year-round standard time in the state of Maryland. The bill aims to alter the historical practice of changing clocks for daylight saving time and intends to make a permanent adjustment to the state's timekeeping system. This shift would mean that Maryland would no longer revert to standard time in the fall, which proponents argue could have benefits such as improved mental health and reduced energization costs.
This proposed alteration to standard time may invite both support and opposition among various groups. Advocates for the change argue that maintaining EDT year-round could enhance public safety, reduce seasonal affective disorder, and improve overall societal productivity. Conversely, opposition may arise from those who prefer the traditional practice of changing times seasonally due to concerns about the biological and practical impacts of a constant time change. Additionally, the synchronization of time across state lines is crucial, leading to larger discussions about the necessity of legislative cooperation among regional states.