Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced new legislation to eliminate daylight saving time (DST) in New York State, a proposal that would end the twice-yearly clock changes that have increasingly been criticized for their impact on health and daily life. The bill proposes that New York stay on standard time year-round, eliminating disruptions and providing a stable time system for residents and businesses.

“Daylight saving time no longer serves its original purpose and has proven to disrupt daily life, affecting everything from sleep patterns to productivity,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “By staying on standard time, New York can help residents avoid the confusion and health risks caused by DST transitions, especially as the days grow shorter in the winter.”

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 allows states to exempt themselves from DST, opting instead to remain on standard time permanently – something that Arizona and Hawaii have already done. More than 20 other states have passed legislation to adopt DST year-round but are waiting for congressional approval, as federal law does not currently permit permanent DST without it. As more states advocate for these changes, the momentum is building toward a national shift.

Key Benefits of the Legislation:

• Improved Public Health and Safety: Eliminating DST transitions can reduce sleep-related health issues and decrease accident rates, especially during the winter when daylight is limited.
• Economic Stability: A consistent, year-round time minimizes operational disruptions and improves productivity for businesses.
• Immediate Impact: Unlike proposals for permanent DST, New York can adopt permanent standard time without waiting for federal approval, allowing residents to benefit sooner.

“Ending daylight saving time is a practical step forward for our state, providing more consistency and reducing the impact of time changes,” Santabarbara added. “This bill prioritizes New Yorkers’ well-being and aligns us with a growing national movement to leave DST behind.”