Nebraska lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to eliminate the twice-a-year clock change, advancing two competing bills that propose either permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time—but only if neighboring states follow suit.
On Thursday, the Legislature gave preliminary approval to both proposals. Legislative Bill 34 (LB 34), sponsored by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, supports year-round daylight saving time, keeping Nebraska on the same schedule used in the warmer months. Legislative Bill 302 (LB 302), introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, would establish year-round standard time, which aligns with the current winter schedule. LB 34 advanced in a 29-13 vote, while LB 302 passed 28-9 in the first of three rounds of debate.
Under both proposals, Nebraska would only make the change if surrounding states take similar action. LB 34 requires at least three neighboring states to adopt daylight saving time, while LB 302 needs four states— Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming—to agree on standard time. Additionally, permanent daylight saving time would require federal approval, adding another hurdle to the process.
During the debate, lawmakers expressed strong support for ending the semiannual time change, but opinions differed on which system to adopt. Hunt argued that permanent daylight saving time would benefit Nebraska’s economy, giving people longer daylight hours in the evening to spend time outdoors and support local businesses. She also highlighted research showing that more evening sunlight could help reduce seasonal depression. Meanwhile, Murman and Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha pointed to potential health risks, including disruptions to sleep cycles, an increase in car accidents, and heart-related issues. Kauth emphasized the importance of aligning schedules with the natural sunrise, saying, “It is so much better to use the sun as a natural rhythm.”
Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said he leans toward permanent daylight saving time, especially after Colorado passed similar legislation and Iowa considered the same. He argued that with Interstate 80 running through multiple states, it would be practical to keep Nebraska’s time aligned to avoid confusion for travelers. However, Kauth warned that Nebraska’s northern and southern neighbors, Kansas and South Dakota, are considering permanent standard time, which could still leave the state out of sync with surrounding areas.
For some lawmakers, agriculture played a key role in their decision. Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman supported LB 302, saying farmers prefer working with the sunrise and warning that under permanent daylight saving time, the sun wouldn’t rise until 9 a.m. during some weeks, which she described as “depressing.”
Past efforts to eliminate clock changes stalled in the Legislature, with some senators arguing the issue wasn’t a priority. However, momentum has shifted this year, with only one lawmaker, Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, speaking against both bills, saying “we’re fine the way we are.” Most senators supported at least one proposal, and some backed both to allow further debate on the best path forward.
The bills must pass two more rounds of voting before heading to the governor’s desk, and their ultimate fate will depend on actions taken by Nebraska’s neighboring states and federal lawmakers.
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