Two Republican state lawmakers are filing legislation for the 2020 General Assembly to end the practice of Kentuckians having to “Spring Forward” and “Fall Back.”
The measure, sponsored by Reps. Bart Rowland of Tompkinsville and Brandon Reed of Hodgenville, would make Daylight Saving Time permanent throughout the state, but only if Congress first passes a federal law allowing states to observe daylight saving time year-round.
By putting an end to the practice of changing clocks every March and November, and giving Kentuckians more evening daylight hours during winter months, Rowland and other supporters believe that Kentuckians will reap immediate benefits.
“Studies show that adding more light at the end of the day improves everything from traffic safety to crime and the use of electricity,” said Rowland. “I think it’s time for Kentucky to join the conversation on whether or not we’re willing to do away with the antiquated practice of changing clocks.”
He points to research from the Brookings Institute, which found a 19 percent drop in the probability of any robbery occurring in the weeks after DST begins, and a 27 percent decrease in the robbery rate during sunset hours.
According to the study, in addition to the proven public safety benefits, medical research also shows an increased risk of heart attacks following time changes. Data collected over three years from hospitals in Michigan found that on the Monday immediately after Daylight Saving Time began, there was an average of 25 percent more heart attack patients.
While most of Rowland’s district is in the Central time zone, Reed’s is on Eastern time and that wouldn’t be affected by the bill.
“After discussing this issue at length with my constituents and seeing our neighbor to the south pass this legislation, I am convinced that it’s time for Kentucky to strongly make our voice heard,” said Reed. “Kentucky should be the next state to lead on this issue and pass this legislation, which will also pressure Congress to act.”
If the bill is approved and signed by Gov. Matt Bevin, Kentucky would join more than a dozen other states in the movement to make DST permanent.
While Tennessee recently enacted a bill to do so, Florida was the first state to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2018, with their action being followed by passage of similar measures in other states; including Tennessee, Oregon, and Washington.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, has introduced bipartisan legislation on the federal level making DST permanent throughout the nation, and President Trump has endorsed the idea.
“With support from President Trump, red and blue states across America and many of my constituents, the time has come to make Daylight Saving Time permanent,” Rowland said. “My constituents overwhelmingly support this proposal and passing it will show the federal government exactly where Kentuckians stand on this issue.”
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
