Daylight saving time returns, despite perennial politicking to stop the switch

"A mere 12% of Americans actively favor the sundial shuffle, 47% are opposed and 40% are neutral, according to a 2025 poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A 2025 Gallup poll found that the majority of Americans say they are ready to do away with the time shift, with 48% preferring standard time year round and 24% preferring daylight saving year round."

"In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 7, allowing the state to adopt permanent daylight saving time if federal law permits. Nineteen states have adopted similar legislation aimed at ending the twice-yearly clock change, but these measures cannot take effect without congressional action."

"Many lawmakers support permanent daylight saving time because it gives people later sunsets. Some research suggests the 'spring forward' is also correlated with a bump in credit card spending. However, sleep scientists and medical groups generally argue in favor of permanent standard time, saying it better aligns with human circadian rhythms and reduces health risks."

Daylight saving time returns Sunday with clocks moving forward one hour. Polls show Americans largely disfavor the twice-yearly practice, with only 12% actively supporting it. A 2025 Gallup poll indicates 48% prefer permanent standard time while 24% prefer permanent daylight saving time. California passed Proposition 7 in 2018 allowing permanent daylight saving time adoption pending federal approval. Nineteen states have similar legislation, but congressional action is required. Dozens of bills have been introduced in Congress over the past decade to make daylight saving permanent, yet legislation has stalled due to disagreement over which time system should prevail. Lawmakers supporting permanent daylight saving cite later sunsets and increased consumer spending, while sleep scientists and medical groups advocate for permanent standard time, citing better alignment with circadian rhythms and reduced health risks.

Read at Los Angeles Times