SALT LAKE CITY, Utah- (News4Utah) – Every time the Utah Legislature brings up a bill to address Daylight Saving Time it goes dark.
Now, Representative Rob Bishop is taking it on at the federal level.
“For any student of federalism, this is a no-brainer. The range of industry and lifestyle is so varied across our country, it only makes sense for states to have the ability to set their watches the way they best see fit,” said Bishop, (R) Utah.
Bishop’s Daylight Act would give states three options: Continue as is, move exclusively to Daylight Time or go to Standard Time
Right now, states are allowed to opt out of Daylight Time, Arizona and Hawaii have done that.
But, states are not allowed to opt out of Standard Time.
“This bill will not force any action nor compel a state to take any action. Quite simply, this gives people the flexibility to do what they want,” Bishop said.
That would make it possible for neighboring states to be on different schedules year round.
“I don’t think it’s a problem. And, one of the things that I think is interesting is the argument that I have heard on the hill is we have to go to Daylight Saving Time during the summer. Well, my personal preference would be to stay on it year round, not change at all. And, the argument has been we have to go to Daylight Saving Time, but federal law prevents us from staying on it,” said former state representative Holly Richardson.
Not if Bishop’s bill becomes law.
He has introduced the bill and is waiting for it to be assigned to a committee for consideration.
