Analyst Brief July 13, 2026

H.R. 139 — Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

Current Status

Introduced

Executive Summary

H.R. 139, the 'Sunshine Protection Act of 2025,' eliminates the bi-annual clock change by making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the United States. It achieves this by repealing the temporary DST period in the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and advancing standard time by one hour across all statutory U.S. time zones. The legislation includes a grandfather clause for states and territories that currently do not observe DST (such as Arizona and Hawaii), allowing them to maintain their current time observation.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Buchanan (R-FL)

Bill Number

H.R. 139

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Argument 1: Broad public appeal. Eliminating the bi-annual clock change is highly popular with voters who despise the disruption to sleep schedules, and studies show ending the 'spring forward' reduces acute spikes in heart attacks and traffic accidents.
  • Argument 2: Economic boost for retail and recreation. Later evening daylight encourages consumers to shop, dine out, and participate in outdoor activities after work, providing a reliable stimulus to local economies.

Likely Supporters

National Association of Convenience StoresOutdoor recreation and sporting goods industriesChambers of Commerce

Arguments Against

  • Argument 1: Public health and circadian rhythm concerns. Sleep scientists and medical associations strongly argue that if clock changes end, permanent Standard Time is biologically healthier than permanent DST, which forces people to wake up in the dark.
  • Argument 2: Safety risks for children. Permanent DST means sunrise will occur significantly later during the winter months, forcing children in many northern and western parts of time zones to wait for school buses in pitch darkness.

Likely Opponents

American Academy of Sleep MedicineNational PTA (Parent Teacher Association)Agricultural and farming associations

📋 Key Provisions

  • Repeals Section 3 of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, eliminating the temporary period for Daylight Saving Time.
  • Advances standard time by one hour across all U.S. time zones by amending the Calder Act of 1918, effectively making DST the new permanent standard time.
  • Provides an exemption for states or areas that previously opted out of DST, allowing them to choose whether to adopt the new standard time or remain on their historical standard time.
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Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 8

Repeals Section 3 of the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

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"Section 3 of the Uniform Time Act of"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 5

Advances standard time by one hour in the first time zone.

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"by striking “4 hours” and inserting “3"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 6

Allows states that previously exempted themselves from DST to choose their standard time.

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"standard time for a State that has exempted"