SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5329

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 1, 2017

Title: An act relating to exempting the state of Washington from daylight saving time and implementing year-round Pacific Standard Time.

Brief Description: Exempting the state of Washington from daylight saving time and implementing year-round Pacific Standard Time.

Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Becker, Bailey, Angel, Rivers, Warnick and Rossi.

Committee Activity: State Government: 2/01/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

Exempts Washington from observing daylight saving time.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

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.

A Health Impact Review of this legislation was requested and is available at the Washington State Board of Health's website,

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.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Studies show that there is an increase in traffic accidents, crime, and public health problems resulting from daylight savings time. There is also an increase in suicide rates. Staying on Pacific Standard Time would reduce these risks.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jim Honeyford, Prime Sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.