A proposal to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in Illinois was presented this week during a subject matter hearing in the House State Government Administration Committee.

House Bill 1400, introduced by State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), would amend the state’s Time Standardization Act to eliminate the twice-yearly clock change and establish Central Daylight Time as the year-round standard.

Currently, Illinois observes Central Standard Time (CST) from early November to mid-March and Central Daylight Time (CDT) for the remainder of the year. CST results in earlier sunrises and sunsets, while CDT pushes daylight further into the evening hours.

Halbrook said the intent of the legislation is to address concerns about the effects of switching clocks twice a year. Citing issues such as disrupted sleep, increased accident rates, and negative impacts on health and productivity, Halbrook advocates for ending the time change altogether.

Under current federal law, states cannot independently adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time without congressional approval. Halbrook said the bill would position Illinois to make the change quickly if federal law were to permit it.

In addition to HB 1400, Halbrook has filed House Resolution 128, urging the U.S. Congress to allow states the option to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round. That resolution is also assigned to the House State Government Administration Committee.

The bill is expected to return to committee for a vote. For updates, visit the Illinois General Assembly’s website at ilga.gov.