This bill proposes that New Jersey establish permanent daylight saving time by remaining on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) year-round, contingent upon federal authorization. The legislation highlights the historical context of daylight saving time, noting that the biannual time change has become disruptive to the daily lives and health of residents. It references various studies that indicate the negative impacts of time shifts, such as increased risks of heart attacks and automobile accidents, while also citing potential benefits like reduced pedestrian and motor vehicle fatalities.

To implement this change, the bill amends current law to define the standard time of New Jersey as "Coordinated Universal Time minus four hours," effectively eliminating the previous designation of standard time. The bill stipulates that if the federal government allows states to observe daylight saving time year-round, New Jersey will adopt this practice. Sections 1 and 2 of the bill would take effect immediately, while the remaining sections would come into effect on the first Sunday in November following federal approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:5-38, 49:3-61.2