Missouri House approves measure to keep state on Daylight Saving Time

The Missouri House on April 27 approved House Bill 17‑58, moving the state to year‑round Daylight Saving Time.

The bill's sponsor, the representative from Christian, told members the measure ends the twice‑yearly clock change and keeps Missouri on daylight saving time "as God intended," arguing the switch addresses a widely shared annoyance and aligns with residents' preferences. The sponsor moved the committee substitute to third reading and called for passage.

Opponents, including the representative from Jackson, said the bill would shift many winter commutes into darkness and could carry safety and health costs. "Permanent daylight saving time means that months of commutes will be in the dark for Missourians," the representative from Jackson said, citing concerns about accidents and circadian disruption linked in prior experiments with permanent daylight time.

Supporters countered that many constituents prefer more evening daylight and that the state should end the clock changes. Members also discussed the 1974 federal experiment in national daylight time and its mixed public reaction.

After closing debate the House held a roll‑call on third reading. The clerk reported 107 yeas, 31 nays and 2 present; the motion for third reading and passage was approved.

The bill now proceeds to the next stage as prescribed by legislative procedure.