Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama has reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate, a bill aimed at making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the United States. The legislation, known as S.29, seeks to eliminate the biannual clock changes currently practiced in most states.

Senator Tuberville expressed his constituents' strong support for ending the time change practice, stating, "Out of all the legislative efforts I’ve been part of in my four years in Congress, the thing I hear about the most from Alabamians is their desire to stop changing our clocks twice a year." He previously led efforts that saw similar legislation pass unanimously in the Senate in 2022; however, it was not brought to a vote in the House by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Senator Rick Scott of Florida is co-leading this initiative with Tuberville. Reflecting on his experience as Governor of Florida where he signed state-level DST legislation, Scott said, "I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them." He also mentioned his anticipation for President Trump's support: "I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK."

The bill has garnered bipartisan support with Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ed Markey (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) joining as co-sponsors.

If passed into law, this legislation would apply only to states currently observing DST. Currently observed for eight months each year, DST would replace Standard Time which covers November through March. Proponents argue that permanent DST could provide economic benefits and improve quality of life by eliminating disruptive time changes.

In Alabama specifically, a state law passed in 2021 mandates permanent DST but requires federal approval before implementation can proceed.

Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services and Agriculture among others.