Daylight Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 4, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a new, permanent time standard across the United States, effectively making a modified form of Daylight Saving Time year-round by shifting clocks forward by 30 minutes from current standard time and eliminating biannual changes.
What it actually does
This bill proposes a permanent adjustment to American time by amending the Calder Act to shift all standard time zones forward by 0.5 hours relative to their current standard time. Concurrently, it repeals the Uniform Time Act of 1966, thereby eliminating the biannual practice of Daylight Saving Time. The effect would be a year-round time standard that is 30 minutes ahead of current standard time.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that a permanent shift to a later clock time would reduce energy consumption, improve public safety by providing more daylight in the evenings, boost economic activity, and improve public health by eliminating the disruptive biannual clock changes. They might also argue that the half-hour adjustment is a pragmatic compromise between full permanent Daylight Saving Time and current standard time, mitigating concerns about excessively dark winter mornings.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that shifting time permanently would lead to darker mornings, especially in winter, impacting children going to school and outdoor workers. They might also contend that the energy savings are negligible or non-existent, and that the disruption of a nationwide time change, even a permanent one, could cause initial confusion and require significant adjustments for various sectors.
The bill is exceptionally short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its direct effects and requiring minimal time to review.
Section 2(a)
Permanent Adjustment to American Time Zones
This provision amends the Calder Act of 1918, which defines the standard time zones in the United States. It changes the offsets from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for each time zone, effectively shifting them forward by 0.5 hours. For example, Eastern Standard Time, currently 5 hours behind GMT, would become 4.5 hours behind GMT. This means clocks would be set forward by 30 minutes from the current standard time, making the new standard time equivalent to what would be 30 minutes past the current Daylight Saving Time.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this adjustment provides more evening daylight year-round, which can benefit commerce, outdoor activities, and potentially reduce energy use and crime. The half-hour shift is presented as a compromise to avoid excessively dark winter mornings, a common criticism of full permanent Daylight Saving Time.
Critics contend
Critics may argue that this permanent shift still results in darker mornings for a significant portion of the year, particularly in western parts of time zones, affecting school children and commuters. They might also question the actual benefits on energy savings or public safety, suggesting they are overstated.
Tradeoffs
The bill attempts to balance the desire for more evening daylight (associated with Daylight Saving Time) with concerns about excessively dark mornings (a common criticism of permanent Daylight Saving Time). The half-hour shift is a compromise between the current system and full permanent DST, aiming for a middle ground.
Section 2(b)
Repeal of Daylight Saving Time
This provision explicitly repeals Section 3 of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established the annual practice of Daylight Saving Time (DST) across the United States. By repealing this section, the biannual clock changes (spring forward, fall back) would be eliminated, and the new permanently adjusted time zones established in Section 2(a) would remain in effect year-round.