Establishes permanent daylight saving time in NJ.
The bill reflects growing concerns about the negative impacts associated with the transition between standard time and daylight saving time. Numerous studies have indicated that this biannual change can disrupt daily schedules, negatively affect health, and hinder commerce. A compelling aspect of the bill includes findings that propose full-year daylight saving time could reduce incidents of heart attacks and traffic fatalities by addressing issues related to sleep deprivation caused by the time shift.
Assembly Bill A1365 proposes that New Jersey observe daylight saving time year-round by establishing permanent Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). This change is linked to the recognition that the biannual time change has become more disruptive to the state's residents and businesses over time. Given the preference of the public towards the eight months of daylight saving time, the bill aims to align state law with these practices, pending changes to federal law that currently prohibit such an adjustment.
Notably, the bill stipulates that New Jersey can only adopt this year-round observance if federal law is amended to permit such a measure. There remains uncertainty regarding federal approval, presenting a potential point of contention. Critics may also raise concerns regarding the health implications of a permanent switch, questioning whether it truly benefits public health and safety or complicates existing regulatory frameworks.