North Carolina lawmakers debate bills to make daylight saving time permanent

NORTH CAROLINA, USA — As North Carolinians prepare to “spring forward” on Sunday, state lawmakers are once again debating whether to make daylight saving time permanent — or do away with it altogether.

Two bills introduced in the General Assembly take opposing approaches to how the state should handle time changes.

House Bill 12, introduced in late January by Rep. Harry Warren of Rowan County, calls for North Carolina to permanently observe standard time year-round. If passed, it would take effect in March 2026.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 81, filed in February, would allow the state to adopt daylight saving time year-round, but only if Congress grants states the authority to do so.

This isn’t the first time state lawmakers have tried to lock the clocks. 

In 2023, the North Carolina House passed a bill with an overwhelming 80% majority to make daylight saving time permanent once federal law allowed it. However, that measure ultimately stalled in committee.

Former State Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County was among those who supported the push two years ago. He says many people, himself included, would benefit from a consistent schedule.

“One of the things I hear from constituents every time we have to move the clocks either forward or backward is how much they hate it,” Saine said in a 2023 interview with WCNC Charlotte. “When I’m not disrupted in that way, and I get my normal sleep and I stay on a structured schedule, I know I perform better. And I think that’s most people.”

Supporters of permanent daylight saving time argue that extra evening daylight would boost businesses and outdoor activities. On the other hand, those in favor of standard time point to research showing it better aligns with natural sleep cycles and overall health.

For now, North Carolinians will still need to set their clocks forward on March 9.

But if either bill passes, this could be one of the last times they have to. Both bills are currently in committee, where lawmakers will decide whether they move forward.

Daylight saving time begins Sunday at 2 a.m., an hour of sleep vanishing in most of the U.S. The ritual will reverse on Nov. 2 when clocks “fall back” as daylight saving time ends.

Hawaii and most of Arizona don’t make the spring switch, sticking to standard time year-round along with Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Worldwide, dozens of countries also observe daylight saving time, starting and ending at different dates.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.