HB1039

Concerning Daylight Saving Time; To Adopt Daylight Saving Time Permanently; And To Amend The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.

Introduced

Last Action (Dec. 19, 2022): Recommended for study in the Interim by Joint Interim Committee on STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS- HOUSE

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1039 establishes the intent of the State of Arkansas to adopt Daylight Saving Time as the permanent standard time, contingent upon authorization from the United States federal government. The bill tasks the Secretary of State with monitoring federal law and the actions of states bordering Arkansas regarding the permanent adoption of Daylight Saving Time. Should federal law be amended to permit this change, and should all states bordering Arkansas declare an intention to observe permanent Daylight Saving Time, the Secretary of State is required to notify specified state officials. Upon these conditions being met, Arkansas would transition to observing Daylight Saving Time permanently. The bill provides specific protocols for the timing of this transition depending on whether the conditions are satisfied before or after the existing seasonal shifts in March and November.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals and businesses who prefer consistent daylight hours in the evening throughout the year and wish to avoid the perceived inconveniences of the biannual 'spring forward' and 'fall back' time changes. This includes retail businesses, the tourism and hospitality industries, and the general public, as permanent daylight saving time may lead to increased outdoor evening activity and potentially improved retail performance.

Who Might Suffer?

Those who might be negatively impacted include individuals whose work schedules or routines are tied to specific sunrise times, such as those in the agricultural sector, early-shift laborers, and students, who may experience darker mornings during winter months. Additionally, there could be logistical challenges for cross-border interactions if surrounding states fail to align their timekeeping policies with Arkansas, potentially creating discrepancies in transportation, scheduling, and communication.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us