The nation’s practice of the twice-a-year changing of the clocks could end for some states under a bipartisan bill introduced on July 9 by U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC).
The Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026, H.R. 9638, which Rep. Harrigan cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), would make Standard Time permanent except in states that elect to observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
“It’s hard to find anyone who enjoys changing the clocks twice a year, yet Americans have been stuck with the same outdated policy for decades,” Rep. Harrigan said. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act replaces that one-size-fits-all mandate with a smarter approach by making Standard Time the default while allowing states to decide what works best for their own communities.”
If enacted, H.R. 9638 would repeal the current federal DST mandate under the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and instead make Standard Time the national default.
States would retain the flexibility to adopt DST on their own, either statewide or, for states that span multiple time zones, within specific zones, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“For decades, scientists and medical professionals have highlighted the detrimental mental and physical health impacts of twice-a-year clock changes, particularly on children and teens,” said Rep. Scanlon. “The Sunshine for Our Kids Act will not only help children and teens during the most important years for mental and physical development, but will also promote public health and safety in our communities.”
The measure, which has been endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.