RICHMOND, VA – A new proposal before the Virginia General Assembly would move the Commonwealth to year-round daylight saving time, ending the biannual clock changes that shift residents between standard and daylight hours each spring and fall.

House Bill 9, sponsored by Delegate Joseph P. McNamara, amends Section 1-253 of the Code of Virginia to designate United States Eastern Daylight Time as the permanent time standard throughout the state. The bill would take effect only if Congress passes legislation authorizing states to adopt daylight saving time permanently.

Under the measure, the Commonwealth would remain on daylight saving time at all times, provided such a change is consistent with federal law and any orders issued by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The legislation specifies that the adjustment would not conflict with federal regulation of interstate commerce or other time zone matters.

Currently, federal law under the Uniform Time Act of 1966 allows states to remain on standard time year-round but does not permit permanent daylight saving time without congressional approval. Multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, have passed similar laws in anticipation of federal action.

Delegate McNamara’s bill clarifies that, for all legal, governmental, educational, and contractual purposes, references to time in Virginia statutes and regulations would be interpreted as Eastern Daylight Time once the federal authorization takes effect.

Supporters argue that eliminating the seasonal time change would improve public health, reduce confusion, and allow more evening daylight year-round. Opponents of permanent daylight saving time have cited concerns about darker winter mornings and potential impacts on school schedules.

If Congress amends federal law to allow the shift, Virginia would automatically adopt permanent daylight saving time under the provisions of House Bill 9.

House Bill 9 positions Virginia to adopt daylight saving time year-round if federal law is changed to authorize states to do so.

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