The long-standing debate over changing the clocks twice a year could soon come to an end in Georgia, as state lawmakers advance a new bill designed to eliminate Daylight Saving Time altogether—using a creative workaround to bypass federal roadblocks.
The proposal, known as House Bill 154, recently passed the Georgia Senate with strong bipartisan support in a 45–5 vote. Instead of waiting on Congress to approve permanent daylight saving time nationwide, the bill takes a different approach: it would move Georgia from the Eastern Time Zone to the Atlantic Time Zone and keep the state on that time year-round.
This strategy allows Georgia to effectively enjoy the benefits of permanent daylight saving time—like longer evening daylight—without needing federal approval, which is currently required under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.
Supporters of the bill say the twice-a-year time change has negative impacts on public health and daily routines. Studies and testimony cited by lawmakers link the clock shifts to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, and disruptions for students and families.
The effort builds on a 2021 law signed by Governor Brian Kemp that aimed to make daylight saving time permanent in Georgia—but that law has been stalled due to the need for congressional approval. This new bill is designed to “get around” that delay and move the process forward at the state level.
If approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Georgia would join regions like Puerto Rico and parts of Canada that do not observe daylight saving time changes.
While the bill still needs final approval from the Georgia House and federal authorization, it signals growing momentum to end the biannual clock changes—something many Georgians say they’re ready to leave in the past.
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