Nebraska lawmakers are taking steps to eliminate the twice-a-year time change, advancing two competing bills that would either make daylight saving time or standard time permanent—if neighboring states follow suit. On Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature moved forward with Legislative Bill 34, which would establish permanent daylight saving time, and LB 302, which would set the state to year-round standard time. LB 34 advanced with a 29-13 vote, while LB 302 passed 28-9.
State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha sponsored LB 34, favoring longer daylight hours in the evening, which she argues would boost Nebraska’s economy and reduce seasonal depression. Meanwhile, Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil introduced LB 302, citing health concerns related to permanent daylight saving time, including sleep deprivation and increased risk of heart attacks and car accidents.
For either proposal to take effect, multiple neighboring states must pass similar legislation. LB 34 would require federal approval and agreements from three surrounding states, while LB 302 would need approval from Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. So far, Wyoming and Colorado have passed daylight saving time legislation, while Kansas and South Dakota are considering standard time.
Lawmakers expressed mixed views, with some supporting both bills to keep the discussion alive. Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman backed LB 302, arguing that farmers prefer starting their days at sunrise and warning that under permanent daylight saving time, Nebraska could see winter sunrises as late as 9 a.m. Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte leaned toward daylight saving time to keep Nebraska in sync with Iowa and Colorado, which both border Interstate 80.
Hunt, who previously co-sponsored Murman’s bill, has since changed her stance, voting against LB 302 and advocating for more evening daylight. She believes that Nebraska joining other states in passing daylight saving time bills will push Congress to take action at the federal level. Murman, however, expressed doubt that federal approval will come anytime soon, saying he doesn’t “want to hold his breath for Congress.”
As the debate continues, both bills must pass two more rounds before becoming law.
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