When is daylight saving time going away? NJ, more states aim to keep it forever

Here we go again. Another spring forward. Another year of most people searching, “When is Daylight Saving Time,” only to wake up on Sunday totally confused.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have no clock change at all? Federal law has for decades prevented states from observing daylight saving time year-round. There’s been growing momentum for change.

Two states no longer observe daylight saving (Arizona and Hawaii), and others are pushing similar measures.

Both Arizona and Hawaii legally opted out of daylight saving time under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which lets states stay on standard time year-round. Those states were driven largely by heat and energy concerns.

New Jersey is among the others pushing for change. Last year, legislators introduced a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. The proposal, sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Turner, would mean no more “spring forward” or “fall back.”

Supporters say the switch would eliminate confusion and improve public health by increasing daylight exposure. That bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee, with strong support from legislators.

Even if it passes the full New Jersey legislature and the governor signs it, it can’t officially take effect until Congress says it’s OK for states to make daylight saving time permanent on their own.

Some business owners said they didn’t like the double-clock change personally, but did appreciate the extra business they say extended daylight brought to their shops. Others say ithe policy is just outdated.

Supporters of the bill argue that switching between standard and daylight time can negatively affect sleep cycles, lead to more car accidents, and even contribute to seasonal depression.

For now, though, it’s still twice a year. Don’t forget to “spring forward” this Sunday.