Oklahoma's clock continues to tick to the tock of daylight saving time after Rep. Kevin West's latest bill to end the biannual time switch met its demise in the House. House Bill 1223 was designed to set the Sooner State's clocks permanently to standard time post-November 2, but it failed to garner enough support to move through the legislature. According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives official press release, West expressed his frustration over the decision: "Congratulations to all the members who voted no on this bill," West said. "You just ensured that we will continue to change the clocks twice each year, even though the majority of Oklahomans want us to lock the clock."
Previous attempts by West to let Oklahomans vote on permanent standard time did not pass, showing ongoing debate over time changes in the state. However, Oklahoma decided in Senate Bill 1200 that if federal law allows, they will observe daylight saving time year-round. This follows a failed 1974 law that switched the country to daylight saving time, which was repealed the next year due to concerns about dark, early mornings affecting children and workers.
Federal law allows states to stay on standard time year-round, which Arizona, Hawaii, and most U.S. territories do. However, states wanting permanent daylight saving time still need federal approval, which has not been granted yet. West also mentioned the Sunshine Protection Act in Congress, which, if passed, would require states to observe daylight saving time year-round unless a state chooses otherwise, as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Throughout his legislative tenure, West has repeatedly heard from constituents, parents, and various business owners on the burdens imposed by the clock-changing ritual. In West's own words, "I'm disappointed this legislation failed," revealing a sentiment shared by many Oklahomans who reportedly support stabilizing the clock, he told the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The biannual shuffle prompts several concerns, including health-related risks, and a spike in auto accidents and work-related injuries whenever the time change first occurs.
