This bill establishes that New Jersey will permanently observe standard time, effectively ending the practice of daylight saving time. The legislation amends current law to define the standard time of New Jersey as "Coordinated Universal Time minus five hours," eliminating the previous provision that allowed for a one-hour advancement of time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. The bill highlights the negative impacts of the biannual time change, including economic losses, increased health risks, and adverse effects on mental well-being, while also noting the benefits of remaining on standard time, such as improved public health and safety.

The bill is supported by findings from studies and recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which advocate for a national fixed year-round time to avoid the detrimental effects associated with seasonal time changes. The act will take effect immediately, with a specific provision that if enacted during daylight saving time, it will become effective on the first Sunday in November following its enactment.