Duval Times

As the United States prepares for the biannual clock adjustment, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio are advocating for the Sunshine Protection Act. This bipartisan initiative aims to eliminate the practice of changing clocks twice a year by making Daylight Saving Time permanent across the nation.

In 2018, Senator Scott, then Governor of Florida, signed state legislation allowing Florida to remain on Daylight Saving Time throughout the year, contingent upon federal approval. The Sunshine Protection Act seeks to extend this exemption nationwide.

The bill has garnered support from several senators, including James Lankford, Alex Padilla, Tommy Tuberville, Ed Markey, Bill Hagerty, Tina Smith, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Rand Paul, Ron Wyden, and Martin Heinrich. In the House of Representatives, Vern Buchanan introduced a companion bill.

Senator Scott emphasized the public's desire for more consistent daylight hours: “Floridians are sick of changing their clocks because we all want more sunshine. It’s time for Congress to act, pass the Sunshine Protection Act and lock the clock. I’m proud to be leading the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act with Senator Rubio to get this done."

The Senate previously passed the Sunshine Protection Act unanimously in its last session. Proponents hope for swift action in Washington to finalize this legislative effort.