Florida Senators reintroduce bill to make daylight saving time permanent across U.S.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Sick of keeping track of the clocks “falling back” and “springing forward” every year? Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have signed on for a solution.

The pair are among more than half a dozen lawmakers who’ve signed on to reintroduce a bill, called the Sunshine Protection Act, that would make daylight saving time permanent across the U.S.

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You might remember that Florida’s legislature had a moment of bipartisan agreement and voted to keep the state on daylight saving time year-round back in March 2018.

The bill that’s being reintroduced now reflects Florida’s plan, but for Florida’s change to take effect there has to be change in the federal statue.

”As our state works to fully reopen and bring visitors back safely, this legislation will give families more time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer,” Scott said in a statement.

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According to a release from Rubio’s office, 15 other states have passed similar laws, resolutions or voter initiatives hoping to keep daylight saving time permanent.

The legislation, if enacted, would apply to states that currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 14, and lasts until Sunday, Nov. 7.

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“The call to end the antiquated practice of clock changing is gaining momentum throughout the nation,” Rubio said in a statement. “Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is why the Florida legislature voted to make it permanent in 2018. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, and give our nation’s families more stability throughout the year.”