SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5570
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 14, 2015
Title: An act relating to exempting the state of Washington from daylight saving time.
Brief Description: Exempting Washington state from daylight saving time.
Sponsors: Senators McCoy, Darneille and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/19/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Under federal law, all time zones in the country are set to the internationally adopted Coordinated Universal Time. Washington falls within the Pacific Standard Time Zone, along with California, Nevada, most of Oregon, and a part of Idaho.
The federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the use of a daylight saving calendar in all the standard time zones. Daylight saving time refers to the time of year where daily time shifts forward one hour from standard time in order to capture more daylight time in the evenings. At the end of this period, clocks revert back one hour to standard time. Daylight saving spans from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. States may choose to opt out of observing daylight saving and remain on standard time throughout the year.
Summary of Bill: The state of Washington exercises its right under the Uniform Time Act to opt out of daylight saving time, and remain on Pacific Standard Time year-round.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.