States Passing Daylight Saving Laws in 2026: Which States Want Permanent Daylight Saving Time?

 

States Passing Daylight Saving Laws in 2026: Who Wants Permanent DST?

Daylight Saving Time has been part of everyday life in the United States for generations, but the familiar clock change may eventually become a thing of the past.

In 2026, the debate over changing clocks twice a year has gained new attention after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across much of the country. At the same time, a number of states have already passed laws supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time if federal rules allow it.

So, which states have already passed these laws, and what would happen if Congress approves the federal change?

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time, commonly called DST, is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour during part of the year.

Under the current U.S. system, most states move their clocks forward in March and back in November. In 2026, Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to end on November 1.

The idea behind DST is to provide more daylight during the evening hours. However, the twice-yearly clock change has been debated for years because of its effects on sleep schedules, transportation, schools, workplaces and daily routines.

States That Have Passed Permanent Daylight Saving Time Laws

As of September 2026, 19 states have enacted legislation supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time. These laws generally depend on a future change in federal law before they can take effect.

The states are:

• Alabama

• Colorado

• Delaware

• Florida

• Georgia

• Idaho

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Minnesota

• Mississippi

• Montana

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Washington

• Wyoming

Florida was the first state to pass this type of legislation, doing so in 2018. Other states subsequently adopted similar conditional laws.

Texas and Its “Texas Time” Law

Texas has also taken steps toward year-round Daylight Saving Time.

In 2025, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1393, which would establish year-round Daylight Saving Time if federal law permits it. The proposed system would be known as “Texas Time.” However, the law is conditional and cannot take effect under the current federal rules.

This means Texans will still follow the existing clock-changing system in 2026 unless federal legislation changes the rules.

What Is Happening in Congress?

The biggest development came in July 2026.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, H.R. 139, by a vote of 308 to 117. The legislation would make Daylight Saving Time permanent, meaning clocks would no longer move backward each November under the proposed system.

The bill still needs action in the Senate before it could become federal law.

As of September 2026, the Senate has not approved the legislation, so the current clock-changing system remains in place. Recent reporting indicates that time is becoming limited before the scheduled November 1 change.

Why Are Some States Supporting Permanent Daylight Saving Time?

Supporters of permanent DST have pointed to several possible advantages.

One argument is that keeping clocks an hour ahead throughout the year would provide more daylight during evening hours. Supporters have also cited potential benefits for businesses and outdoor activities.

The House legislation's supporters have additionally argued that ending the twice-yearly clock change could reduce disruptions associated with changing schedules.

However, these potential effects remain part of a broader policy debate.

Why Are Some People Concerned?

Permanent Daylight Saving Time would also change when daylight appears during winter mornings.

In northern parts of the United States, sunrise could occur considerably later during the winter. Critics have raised concerns about students, commuters, outdoor workers and others who may begin their day before sunrise.

This is one reason the question is not simply about whether Americans prefer more daylight in the evening. The change would shift daylight from morning hours toward the evening.

What About Arizona and Hawaii?

Arizona and Hawaii follow different rules from most U.S. states regarding Daylight Saving Time.

Hawaii does not observe DST, while most of Arizona remains on standard time throughout the year. The Navajo Nation is an exception, as it observes Daylight Saving Time.

Federal law currently allows states to remain on permanent standard time, but states cannot independently switch to permanent Daylight-Saving Time without federal authorization.

Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent in 2026?

That depends on Congress.

The House has already passed the Sunshine Protection Act, but the Senate would still need to approve the legislation and it would need to become federal law before the new system could be implemented.

For now, Americans should continue following the existing schedule. Daylight Saving Time is scheduled to end on November 1, 2026, when clocks will move back one hour.

The 19 states that have already passed conditional laws could potentially move toward permanent DST if federal law changes.

Final Thoughts

The United States is once again debating whether the clock should keep changing twice a year.

Nineteen states have already enacted laws supporting permanent Daylight Saving Time under certain conditions, while Congress is considering a nationwide change. The House has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, but the Senate has not yet completed the process.

Until federal legislation becomes law, the current system remains unchanged.

For millions of Americans, that means the familiar November clock change is still on the calendar for 2026. Whether it will eventually become the final “fall back” remains dependent on what happens in Congress.