Seattle could be one step closer to saying goodbye to the twice-a-year clock change.
The U.S. House has passed a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the country, meaning no more “spring forward” or “fall back.” If the measure becomes law, Washington would finally be able to put a 2019 state law into effect that aims to keep the state on daylight saving time year-round.
Right now, federal law doesn’t allow states to switch to permanent daylight saving time on their own. That’s why Washington’s law has been stuck waiting for Congress to act.
For many people in Western Washington, the idea is especially appealing. During the winter, the sun can set before 4:30 p.m., making evenings feel especially short. Supporters say staying on daylight saving time year-round would mean more daylight after work and school, even if winter mornings stay darker.
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where its future is less certain. A similar proposal cleared the Senate in 2022 but never made it through the House. This time, at least one Republican senator has already voiced opposition.
Washington isn’t alone in pushing for the change. Nineteen states have passed laws or resolutions supporting permanent daylight saving time, but none can move forward unless Congress updates federal law. Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that currently stay on standard time all year.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray praised the House vote in a statement, saying Americans are ready to stop changing their clocks. She also pointed to Washington’s early winter sunsets as a reason the state has long supported making daylight saving time permanent.
