As the U.S. prepares to “spring forward” this weekend, the long-debated issue of ending the biannual time change is gaining renewed attention. Could this be the last time Americans adjust their clocks?
The Push to “Lock the Clock”
Efforts to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent have resurfaced in Washington. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) have reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which aims to establish DST as the standard year-round.
Former Senator and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously pushed for similar legislation in 2022, gaining bipartisan support before it stalled. The latest version of the bill is currently under review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. If passed, Americans would no longer “fall back” an hour in November.
What Would Permanent Daylight Saving Time Mean?
If daylight saving time became permanent, mornings in Central New York (and other northern states) could remain dark until 8:30 a.m. in December.
On the other hand, some health experts, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, advocate for permanent standard time, arguing that it aligns better with human circadian rhythms. Under this system, summer sunrises in Central New York could occur as early as 4:30 a.m.
New York’s Study on Daylight Saving Time
New York State lawmakers are also evaluating the impact of DST. State Senate Bill S297, introduced in January, proposes a task force to study whether the state should opt out of DST altogether. A report on its findings is expected by April 1, 2026.
Will This Be the Last Time We Change the Clocks?
For now, Americans must continue adjusting their clocks twice a year. While momentum is building for change, until Congress enacts a law, daylight saving time will remain part of life in the U.S.
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