SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 420

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  NOVEMBER 15, 2021

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 420.

     This bill provides for the State of New Jersey to permanently observe daylight saving time by remaining on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) year-round.

     For four months, the standard time of New Jersey is Eastern Standard Time (EST), or five hours offset from Coordinated Universal Time.  From 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March until 2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November, the State participates in the one-hour advancement of time, commonly referred to as “daylight saving time.”  The people of New Jersey have become more accustomed to the eight months of daylight saving time each year than the four months of standard time.  Several studies have shown the biannual change between EST and EDT is disruptive to commerce and to the daily schedules, safety, and health of the citizens of the country, and therefore, the residents of this State.

     Under the federal “Uniform Time Act of 1966,” states are not permitted to observe daylight saving time year-round.  If the federal government amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the Legislature shall require that the State of New Jersey observe daylight saving time year-round.

     Sections 1 and 2 of this bill would take effect immediately.  Sections 3, 4, and 5 of this bill would take effect on the first Sunday in November following the effective date of federal authorization to observe daylight saving time year-round.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.