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 suggesting that permanent daylight saving time could lead to reduced pedestrian and motor vehicle fatalities.

To implement this change, the bill amends existing legal language to define the standard time of New Jersey as "Coordinated Universal Time minus four hours," effectively eliminating the previous reference to the seventy-fifth meridian west from Greenwich. The bill also stipulates that the new provisions will take effect immediately upon federal authorization, while other sections will come into effect on the first Sunday in November following such authorization. Overall, the bill reflects a legislative intent to align state timekeeping with the preferences and safety considerations of New Jersey residents.

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