Lawmakers press sponsor for empirical data; some cite military and airport impacts

During discussion of HB 44, multiple lawmakers raised technical and operational concerns about adopting a permanent time choice at the state level. A member asked whether the sponsor had consulted the military and explained that legacy military systems may not differentiate local time if only parts of the country adopt different standards.

One member summarized the reservations and asked for a formal data briefing: “At the appropriate time, I'd like to make a motion that our colleague, the sponsor of this bill, come back to this body with empirical data, because all I heard, quite frankly, is anecdotal.” Members also raised questions about possible impacts on airports, rail logistics and utilities. The sponsor said he had not contacted every branch of the military but expressed confidence the armed forces could adjust; he also offered to provide the committee with his research citations.