Utah Lawmakers Propose Ending Clock Changes with Permanent Standard Time

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On January 22, Utah lawmakers took a significant step toward ending the semi-annual time changes that have long been a topic of debate. House Bill 120, known as the Time Change Amendments, passed the House Government Operations Committee with unanimous support, marking another milestone in efforts to keep Utah on one time year-round.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Joseph Elison (R), proposes that Utah remain on standard time throughout the year. The state would only switch to daylight saving time if federal law changes to allow permanent daylight saving time, at which point Utah would make the transition.

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“This bill addresses a simple yet persistent issue that comes up twice every year,” Elison told the committee. “We hear about it everywhere—at the grocery store, in schools, at church—people are tired of the time changes.” He emphasized that about 80% of Utahns want to stop the clock changes, and the only legislative option available to meet that demand is to stay on standard time permanently.

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Currently, only two states—Hawaii and Arizona—adhere to permanent standard time. Utah passed a similar bill a few years ago that would allow the state to switch to permanent daylight saving time if federal law permits. While neighboring states have adopted similar policies, the federal government still restricts permanent daylight saving time, thus leaving Utah’s law in limbo.

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During the committee discussion, Jay Pea, co-chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, spoke in favor of the bill, arguing that switching to permanent standard time would better balance morning and evening light. This change, he said, would benefit a variety of groups, from schoolchildren and commuters to construction workers and the ski industry.

“Morning light is vital for so many people,” Pea said. “It would help our students, workers, and even those who rely on daylight for recreation. This change would allow for more sleep in the morning and make it easier for families to stick to a bedtime.”

However, opponents of the bill voiced concerns about the impact on outdoor activities. Ryan Peterson, a representative for the Golf Alliance for Utah, warned that permanent standard time would cut into the evening hours available for activities like golf.

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“Most of our golf rounds take place in the afternoon during the summer,” Peterson explained. “Under standard time, it would be impossible to finish a round after work, especially on weekdays. This change could also affect high school sports that don’t have lights for evening games.”

With the committee’s approval, H.B. 120 is now on its way to the House of Representatives for a vote. If it passes, the bill will proceed to the Utah Senate for further consideration. Should it pass through both chambers, the bill could bring an end to Utah’s biannual time changes and establish a permanent standard time for the state.

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