Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 139
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-07-23T15:54:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

This bill aims to end the twice-yearly clock changes by making daylight saving time the permanent standard time across the United States.

Repeal of existing rules: Eliminates the section of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that sets a temporary period for advancing clocks.
Time zone adjustments: Updates the 1918 law defining U.S. time zones by shifting each zone forward by one hour (for example, Eastern Time moves from 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time to 4 hours).
State options: Allows states or areas that previously opted out of daylight saving time to choose between the new permanent time or their prior standard time.
Conforming changes: Updates references in the law to align with the new permanent setup.

Replaces the seasonal switch between standard time and daylight saving time with a single, year-round advanced time.
Modifies the foundational definitions of U.S. time zones established in 1918.
Preserves limited state flexibility for prior opt-outs while removing the national framework for temporary daylight saving periods.

On citizens: Eliminates clock adjustments, which may affect daily schedules, sleep patterns, energy consumption, and activities like school or work start times.
On government agencies: Could require updates to transportation, aviation, and commerce scheduling systems managed by federal bodies.
On international relations: May alter time alignments with neighboring countries, potentially affecting cross-border business, travel, and coordination.

Exercises federal authority over uniform time standards while respecting state exemptions from prior laws.
Involves amendments to long-standing statutes without creating new regulatory bodies.
Addresses a recurring policy debate on time management through legislative change rather than executive action.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

2026-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-07-14: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 308 - 117 (Roll no. 238). (consideration: CR H4445-4446) (Roll call 238)
2026-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 308 - 117 (Roll no. 238). (Roll call 238)
2026-07-14: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2026-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 139.
2026-07-14: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237 and H.R. 1181. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 139, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181 under a closed rule, and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule with one hour of debate and one motion to reconsider on each bill.
2026-07-14: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1423. (consideration: CR H4445-4452)
2026-07-13: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1423 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237 and H.R. 1181. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 139, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181 under a closed rule, and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule with one hour of debate and one motion to reconsider on each bill.
2025-01-03: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2025-01-03: Introduced in House
2025-01-03: Introduced in House