Prohibits the state from participating in daylight saving time unless federal law is modified
Should HB 490 be enacted, it would lead to a significant shift in how time is observed in Missouri. By opting out of daylight saving time, the state would be aligning itself permanently to standard time, which could have implications for various sectors including business, education, and public services that depend on synchronized timekeeping across regions. This change may also affect residents' daily routines, travel schedules, and agricultural practices, which are often tied to time changes.
House Bill 490, introduced by Representative Van Schoiack in the 103rd General Assembly, addresses the state's participation in daylight saving time. The bill proposes that on November 2, 2025, Missouri will set its clocks back to standard time and will not participate in daylight saving time thereafter. The bill includes a provision that if federal law changes to make daylight saving time the new standard, Missouri will conform its clocks accordingly.
The bill's progression may encounter points of contention, particularly in relation to public opinion and its alignment with federal law. While some constituents may view the elimination of daylight saving time as beneficial, citing health and productivity reasons, others could argue against it, advocating for the benefits of extended daylight during evening hours for recreation and community activities. Additionally, the provision that allows conformity with federal law could lead to future conflicts or changes if the federal stance on daylight saving time shifts.