Alaska has just sprung forward, losing one hour of sleep. Now, the state is considering legislation related to Daylight Saving Time. Representative Jamie Allard introduced House Bill 41, which aims to exempt Alaska from the bi-annual clock change.
The bill proposes that Alaska will not change its clocks until Congress decides on year-round Daylight Saving Time. This is not the first time Alaska has considered opting out of the clock change. In 2022, House Bill 31 proposed observing Daylight Saving Time year-round.
Notably, Alaska’s unique geography plays a significant role in this decision. The state’s location near the Arctic Circle means it experiences extreme variations in daylight throughout the year. During the summer months, Alaska receives up to 20 hours of daylight, while in the winter, it can be as little as 4 hours.
However, the bill was conditional on Congress amending federal law by 2030. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 governs Daylight Saving Time. According to the Department of Transportation, states can exempt themselves from observing It.
Meanwhile, Alaska’s unique geography means it has more daylight during the summer months. The state’s residents are accustomed to the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible at midnight during the summer solstice.
Furthermore, the bill is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee on March 11. If passed, the bill would allow Alaska to opt out of the bi-annual clock change.
In addition, Representative Jamie Allard believes that this bill is essential for Alaska’s residents. She wants to ensure that the state is not bound by the bi-annual clock change.
The potential impact of this bill is significant. It could affect various aspects of life in Alaska, from business operations to daily routines. As the bill moves forward, Alaskans will watch closely to see how it unfolds.
Alaska Daylight Saving legislation is underway. The bill aims to exempt Alaska from the bi-annual clock change, and Alaska Daylight Saving will soon be a reality.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
