Lawmakers want to end daylight saving time for good in Washington

In Washington state, lawmakers are advocating for Senate Bill 5001, which aims to establish Pacific Standard Time (PST) as the year-round time zone, thereby discontinuing the practice of daylight saving time (DST). This legislative push comes after the state passed a law in 2019 intended to implement year-round DST. However, the new proposal suggests a reversal to PST instead, a move that would not require federal approval, enabling the state to sidestep the clock changes associated with DST that occur each spring. Senator Jeff Wilson from Longview, alongside fellow Democrat Senate Majority Leader Manka Dhingra from Redmond, is at the forefront of this initiative. They stress the need for the federal government to recognize the substantial impact of biannual time changes, including an estimated $340 million annual economic cost across the nation. The effort to end DST in Washington state reflects a broader national trend. Since 2019, approximately 20 states have passed legislation supporting year-round DST, while many others have proposed similar laws in an effort to promote consistency and reduce the hassle of changing clocks twice yearly. Despite the growing support for these proposals, Wilson acknowledges potential pushback from various stakeholders. In a previous legislative hearing, a limited number of people testified in favor of the bill concerning DST, with some opposition emerging from academic representatives. Complicating matters, the proposed shift to year-round PST may pose challenges in coordinating time with neighboring states such as Oregon and Idaho. Eastern Oregon operates on Mountain Time, creating potential discrepancies if Washington implements PST. Idaho, which also passed legislation in 2020 similar to Washington's 2019 law, could further complicate time alignment if Congress were to approve year-round DST. This situation underscores the complex nature of time zone legislation and inter-state relations. In summary, the forthcoming legislative session beginning January 13, 2025, will serve as a critical juncture for lawmakers pushing for the implementation of SB 5001. Wilson remains hopeful for progress despite the historical challenges faced by similar proposals. The initiative not only seeks to enhance the quality of life by eliminating the disruptive clock changes but also aims to prompt the federal government to take a stance on the growing preference for permanent DST solutions, highlighting a need for collaborative decision-making across state lines.