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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate Tuesday passed 25-2 a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent in the state.
“The consensus is it’s time to move forward with this,” said SB59 sponsor Sen. Wayne Harper, R-Taylorsville, pointing to the number of emails he’s received in favor of the legislation. There was no debate before the final passage.
Daylight saving time will begin this year at 2 a.m. on March 8, adding an extra hour of evening daylight during the longest days of the year. Clocks return to standard time Nov. 1.
If passed by the Utah House and signed by the governor, the bill would still need action by Congress and at least four Western states before taking effect.
Similar legislation is also being considered in New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and Idaho. California and Oregon have already taken action.
Harper said lawmakers have considered proposals to do away with daylight saving time for years, but none have passed. He believes it’s important for Utah to move forward in conjunction with the other states.
“Let’s see if the federal bill passes,” Harper said.
