HB1069
To Observe Standard Time Year Round In Arkansas; And To Eliminate Daylight Saving Time In Arkansas.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1069 proposes that the State of Arkansas exempt itself from the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 to observe standard time year-round. Under this bill, Arkansas would permanently adopt central standard time, effectively eliminating the practice of transitioning to daylight saving time in the spring and autumn. The legislation includes a provision that allows state employees, where feasible, to shift their schedules by one hour during the period when other states are observing daylight saving time. It also directs the Secretary of State to monitor federal law for changes; if federal law is amended to mandate permanent daylight saving time, the state is instructed to comply with those federal requirements while they are in effect. If such a federal mandate were ever repealed, Arkansas would revert back to standard time.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals and groups who advocate for the abolition of the twice-yearly time change, citing health benefits associated with consistent circadian rhythms, potential improvements in public safety by avoiding the disruptions caused by clock shifts, and the convenience of maintaining a uniform time standard throughout the year.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary groups negatively impacted would be those who prefer the extended daylight hours in the evenings during the spring and summer months, such as the tourism, outdoor recreation, and retail industries. Additionally, businesses that operate across state lines may experience operational friction and scheduling complexities if Arkansas maintains a different time observation than its neighboring states during the months when the rest of the country participates in daylight saving time.
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