Virginia House Bill HB9

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/19/25
• Refer: 12/19/25

Caption

Eastern Daylight Time; Commonwealth shall observe year-round upon enactment by Congress, etc.

Impact

If enacted, HB9 would directly impact how time is observed and can potentially unify the timekeeping practices within Virginia. This bill aligns Virginia with an increasing trend among some states to end the practice of changing clocks, which many residents and advocates argue is outdated. By switching to permanent Eastern Daylight Time, Virginia would look to provide better utility for citizens in daily life, including potential enhancements in recreational opportunities during daylight hours.

Summary

House Bill 9 proposes to amend the Code of Virginia to establish permanent Eastern Daylight Time across the Commonwealth as soon as applicable federal law allows it. The bill aims to eliminate the biannual clock change associated with daylight saving time, arguing that year-round daylight saving time could lead to more consistent daylight hours and potential benefits in areas such as public health and safety. This change, however, hinges on federal legislation permitting states to adopt such a shift independently of the current regulations governing time zones.

Contention

While the bill has its supporters who emphasize the benefits of more daylight during evening hours, there are complications regarding its enactment. The legislation explicitly states that its effects are contingent upon an amendment to federal law, which currently dictates that states must adhere to a switch between Standard and Daylight Time. This reliance on federal action presents limitations on the bill's immediate impact, leading to discussions about the degree of state autonomy over time regulation. Furthermore, concerns about the effects of permanent Daylight Time on health, school schedules, and business hours might contribute to ongoing debates surrounding the bill.