Why States Like Louisiana Are Waiting On Federal Clock Change Rules

(KMDL-FM) It's kind of ironic that legislation being debated that would change the way we tell time in America is facing a deadline. Yeah, if the Senate doesn't act on the Sunshine Protection Act in the next two weeks, then the clocks are going to change when November 1st rolls around. So, here is the current status of the state of permanent Daylight Saving Time, as we know it to be right now.

What is the Current Status of Permanent Daylight Saving Time in the United States?

As of September 21- that's today if you're seeing this on Monday- nothing has really changed at all. The House-passed version of the Sunshine Protection Act remains ready for debate by the Senate. The Senate, which had been in recess, has now resumed business but will go on a mid-term break as of October 5th.

White House under clear sky at night — Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash

If the Senate debates and passes the legislation, President Trump has indicated that he would sign the measure. However, the Senate appears to be in no big hurry to take any action. Based on published reports, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation does not have the legislation on its agenda, at least in the near future.

That committee would have to pass the legislation and then forward it to the entire Senate for a vote by full membership. Should the Senate decline to take action on the legislation, then the clocks would fall back as they have done for decades. This time, the return to Standard Time would take place on November 1st.

Can States Change the Time Without the Approval of the Federal Government?

While several states, Louisiana included, have legislation on the books that would adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time if the federal government does, there are currently statutes on the books that will not allow states to move forward with this time change without federal approval.

As you might imagine, it would be a lot simpler if the Senate just passed or didn't pass the legislation and we could move on to other important topics. I am sure there is something that is bound to be more important than figuring out what time it is, right?

You can always just stay up late and watch your favorite infomercials; that will help you sleep even if the sun hasn't set and won't rise until after lunch the following day.

The 10 Most Popular As Seen on TV Products of the Middle 90s - How Many Did You Buy?

Before social influencers and Facebook Marketplace there was "As Seen on TV". The long-form commercial announcements were set up like live television events, and we, the viewing public, were supposed to be amazed, as the studio audience was as to what this products could do for our lives. Times have changed, but we still love a good Infomercial in the middle of the night, right? These are the top As Seen on TV products during the middle 90s and early 2000s; if you're like most of us, you had at least one.

Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells

Filed Under: daylight saving time