Daylight savings time; establishing daylight saving time as standard time in Oklahoma. Effective date.
Impact
The implications of SB843 are significant for the state's timekeeping practices, as it would require all activities and schedule adherence within Oklahoma to align with CDT. By making CDT the standard, Oklahoma would no longer adjust its clocks for daylight saving time, which has been a contentious issue in various states across the nation. Proponents argue that this change could lead to several benefits, including improved public health and safety, as well as better alignment of business hours with daylight hours, thereby maximizing productivity.
Summary
Senate Bill 843 seeks to establish Central Daylight Time (CDT) as the standard time for the state of Oklahoma, effectively exempting it from the federal daylight saving time regulations. The legislation proposes that Oklahoma can choose to observe standard time year-round, aligning with the provisions of the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This law would amend the previous state time regulations and empower future legislative action regarding daylight saving practices. If enacted, the bill would take effect on November 1, 2021.
Contention
However, the move has not been without its critics. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about potential confusion and disruption, particularly in relation to interstate commerce, where discrepancies in time zones can lead to logistical challenges. There is also apprehension regarding how this change may affect coordinated activities, such as travel and business operations, with neighboring states that continue to observe daylight saving time. Furthermore, some lawmakers argue that any significant change in time measurement should be thoroughly evaluated and discussed before implementation to ensure it aligns with the needs of the public and the economy.