CARSON CITY, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — A bill aimed at ending the biannual clock change associated with Daylight Saving Time and switching the state to permanent standard time advanced out of committee in the Nevada Legislature with bipartisan support on March 31, 2025. The measure, dubbed the 'Lock the Clock' Act, is sponsored by Reno-area Democratic Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch, but Republican Senator Robin Titus is backing the exact same measure in the upper chamber.
"This bill is not just about folks that are upset at losing an hour of sleep or having to change their clock," La Rue Hatch said. "There are documented negative health effects that come from observing daylight saving time and changing our clocks twice a year. The Lock the Clock Act will have immediate positive impacts on our health and quality of life without having to spend a dime."
The bill addresses the health and public safety impacts of moving clocks twice per year, which have been linked to increased traffic and workplace accidents, worsened medical outcomes, and negative effects on children's school performance. La Rue Hatch introduced the bill in response to community advocacy and anticipates public health benefits once it becomes law.
If enacted, Nevada would observe Daylight Saving Time this year, fall back in November, and then remain on standard time permanently. Unlike previous legislation, Assembly Bill 81 does not require coordination with neighboring states or federal approval. La Rue Hatch emphasized the health and safety benefits of the change, noting that clock changes contribute to more strokes, heart attacks, and car crashes, and do not result in energy savings.
"Any supposed energy savings from Daylight Saving Time are offset by increased demand for heating and cooling," she said. The measure has garnered support from various medical groups, including the Nevada Public Health Association.
However, a pediatrician testified against the bill, citing concerns about a potential spike in violent crime when Daylight Saving Time ends and suggesting further study. La Rue Hatch countered that the broader evidence supports positive health outcomes from ending the clock changes.
The bill could be voted on by the full Assembly in the coming weeks, with a deadline to advance out of the state assembly set for April 22, 2025. As Nevada moves forward with the 'Lock the Clock' Act, it aims to join states like Arizona and Hawaii that have already opted out of the biannual time change.
In recent years, the debate around Daylight Saving Time has gained traction across the nation, with numerous states considering similar legislation. Advocates argue that the clock changes disrupt sleep patterns and can lead to serious health issues, while opponents often raise concerns about the potential implications for public safety and crime rates.
The discussion surrounding the 'Lock the Clock' Act has sparked interest not only in Nevada but also in other states contemplating similar measures. As more states reconsider the necessity of Daylight Saving Time, the outcome of Nevada's legislative efforts could set a precedent for future changes across the country.
As the legislative session progresses, the fate of Assembly Bill 81 remains uncertain. However, the strong bipartisan support suggests that there is a growing consensus on the need to address the health and safety concerns associated with changing the clocks twice a year.
With public health at the forefront of this discussion, advocates are hopeful that the 'Lock the Clock' Act will pave the way for a permanent shift to standard time in Nevada, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.
