Committee advances bill to make daylight saving time permanent, pending congressional approval

The State Planning & Community Affairs committee advanced HB 44 on Jan. 28, a bill to place Georgia on permanent daylight saving time contingent on congressional approval. Representative Cantrell, sponsor of HB 44, told the committee the measure is designed to end the twice-yearly clock change and is “triggered by congressional approval.”

Cantrell framed the proposal as both a public-health and economic measure, citing studies he said show higher crash and health risks in weeks after the springtime change. “HB 44 would take Georgia to permanent daylight saving time pending congressional approval,” he said. The sponsor also argued the change would increase evening daylight for recreation and commerce.

Committee members questioned interstate and logistical effects if neighboring states make different choices, and one member asked the sponsor to return with empirical data on stakeholder impacts. The committee approved the bill by voice vote; the chair declared “the ayes have it.” The transcript records at least one vocal opposition but does not include a roll-call tally in the record provided.

Cantrell said he can supply the research citations to the committee on request. The bill, as discussed, remains contingent on Congress granting states the option to adopt permanent daylight saving time.