The bill H.538, introduced by Representative Harrison of Chittenden, aims to establish Vermont on U.S. Eastern Standard Time year-round. The General Assembly finds that standard time aligns more closely with natural solar time and that the biannual clock changes are disruptive and detrimental to health and safety. The bill includes findings from various experts who advocate for standard time as beneficial for learning, well-being, and productivity.

To implement this change, the bill amends current law by removing references to Daylight Saving Time and the Governor's authority to adjust time periods based on neighboring states. Instead, it sets a transition date for Vermont to adopt year-round U.S. Eastern Standard Time, which will occur on January 1 of the year following similar enactments in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. The effective date for the findings and transition provisions is set for July 1, 2026, while the changes to standard time will take effect according to the transition timeline.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1-431