New Bill Could Permanently End Daylight Saving Time in Illinois

(Before we start, I just want to remind you that we "spring forward" this Sunday, March 8th...since we haven't decided to stop this foolishness quite yet)

Now, about getting rid of clock-changing and Daylight Saving Time (DST) in particular...

According to a piece at BND.com, Illinois lawmakers are once again pushing legislation that could put an end to the twice‑annual clock changes that so many Illinois residents hate to do. House Bill 5400 was introduced this session with the goal of exempting Illinois from Daylight Saving Time, but only under the big condition that our neighboring states would have to do the same first.

The bill, sponsored by State Representative Daniel Didech, would amend our state’s Time Standardization Act so that if Iowa and Missouri both exempt themselves from Daylight Saving Time, Illinois would automatically switch to permanent standard time year‑round. That means no more “spring forward” or “fall back” for us if those border states make the same move.

The Ongoing Argument Over Clock-Changing Is Pretty Much The Same As It's Always Been

Supporters of HB 5400 argue that changing clocks twice a year is outdated and causes real headaches for residents. Seasonal clock switching can disrupt sleep, affect safety, complicate school schedules, and even hurt local economies. The bill also cites advice from medical and sleep research groups that caution against permanent Daylight Saving Time, advocating instead for standard time that aligns more closely with the sun’s natural cycle.

The problem here is federal law.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 currently governs how states manage Daylight Saving Time. While states can opt out of DST altogether and stay on standard time without federal approval, adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time would require Congressional permission. That’s why HB 5400’s approach is different because it hinges on coordinated action with our neighboring states.

This Isn't Something New, But It May Actually Work Where Other Attempts Have Failed

Similar proposals have come up before, and several other states have explored ways to stop the clock change or make Daylight Saving Time permanent if Congress allows it. Across the country, legislatures have debated the issue for years, and while a handful have passed measures to stay on DST or eliminate it, most states, like here in Illinois, are still in flux.

If HB 5400 becomes law, and if our neighbors fall in line, Illinois could soon join a small group of states that no longer spring forward or fall back. In the meantime, just keep doing what you've already been doing twice a year.