HB1069
To Observe Standard Time Year Round In Arkansas; And To Eliminate Daylight Saving Time In Arkansas.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to establish year-round standard time in Arkansas, thereby eliminating the observance of Daylight Saving Time. It would amend Arkansas Code Title 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, by adding a section that explicitly exempts the state from the federal Uniform Time Act's provisions regarding daylight saving time. The bill designates central standard time, based on the ninetieth meridian west of Greenwich, as the permanent time for the state. It clarifies that this change does not affect federal laws governing interstate commerce or federal agency time requirements. The bill includes a provision for state employees to potentially adjust their work schedules an hour earlier during the period other states observe daylight saving time, if accommodations can be made. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is tasked with monitoring federal action regarding permanent daylight saving time. If the U.S. government amends the Uniform Time Act to mandate permanent daylight saving time, the Secretary of State would notify state leadership, and Arkansas would then observe year-round daylight saving time. If such a federal mandate is repealed, Arkansas would revert to year-round standard time.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be residents of Arkansas who prefer to remain on standard time year-round. This includes individuals and businesses who experience disruptions or inconveniences associated with the biannual time change. Additionally, sectors that rely on consistent sunrise and sunset times, such as certain agricultural operations or those whose schedules are closely aligned with the natural progression of daylight, might benefit. The state government itself would also benefit from the administrative simplicity of not having to manage the twice-yearly time shifts and the associated potential for confusion.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most likely to be negatively impacted are those in Arkansas whose operations or schedules are synchronized with neighboring states that continue to observe Daylight Saving Time. This could include businesses that engage in frequent cross-border commerce or have employees or clients in adjacent states, leading to potential scheduling conflicts and communication challenges. Furthermore, individuals who prefer the extra hour of evening daylight during spring and summer months for recreational activities or other personal reasons would experience a reduction in available daylight during those periods. The provision for state employees to adjust schedules might also create operational complexities if not uniformly accommodated.