A growing number of U.S. states have officially signaled their intent to move to permanent daylight saving time, with 19 states having passed legislation to make the shift. Proponents of the change argue that ending the biannual practice of changing clocks would provide consistent evening sunlight throughout the year, potentially benefiting public health and economic activity. However, these state-level efforts remain in a state of limbo because federal law currently restricts states from unilaterally adopting permanent daylight saving time.

Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states are permitted to opt out of daylight saving time entirely—remaining on standard time year-round—but they are not authorized to remain on daylight saving time permanently. For the state laws to take effect, Congress must pass legislation granting states the authority to make the switch. While there has been periodic interest in Washington, D.C. regarding the issue, federal lawmakers have yet to reach a consensus or prioritize the necessary legislative changes. Consequently, the 19 states that have already approved the measure must continue to observe the standard biannual clock adjustments until federal regulations are updated.