Nj lawmakers push to make daylight saving time permanent

NJ lawmakers push to make daylight saving time permanent

by
February 4, 2026
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TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey could soon join a growing list of states pushing to make daylight saving time permanent, ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing the clocks. A new bill, introduced Friday by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon), would require the Garden State to remain on daylight saving time year-round—provided Congress amends federal law to allow it.

Senate Bill 3236, introduced in the 222nd Legislature, establishes that New Jersey would stay on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) permanently, eliminating the annual shift back to Eastern Standard Time each November. The move is contingent on the federal government authorizing states to adopt daylight saving time full-time, something not currently permitted under the 1966 Uniform Time Act.

Turner’s proposal cites studies showing that the biannual clock changes disrupt sleep patterns, increase heart attack risk, and contribute to traffic fatalities. One Rutgers University study noted that maintaining daylight saving time year-round could prevent an estimated 171 pedestrian deaths and nearly 200 motor vehicle occupant deaths annually due to improved evening visibility.

Supporters of the change argue that permanent daylight saving time would also reduce energy consumption, extend daylight for recreation and retail activity, and benefit both public safety and mental health. Critics of similar measures in other states have warned of darker mornings in winter, which can affect schoolchildren and commuters.

If enacted, New Jersey’s shift to permanent daylight saving time would take effect on the first Sunday in November following federal authorization, aligning the state with several others—such as Florida and Washington—that have passed comparable laws awaiting congressional approval.

Key points:

  • Senate Bill 3236 would make daylight saving time permanent in New Jersey.
  • The bill would take effect only after federal approval for states to observe DST year-round.
  • Lawmakers cite health, safety, and economic benefits from eliminating biannual clock changes.
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