New Jersey could end seasonal clock changes under proposed legislation
New Jersey may soon stop falling back and springing forward if lawmakers approve a bill to end the twice-a-year time change,
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New Jersey residents may no longer have to change their clocks twice a year if a new bill becomes law.
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson has introduced legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent in New Jersey, citing benefits for mental health, outdoor activity and community engagement.
The proposal comes as Congress advances federal legislation aimed at ending the twice-yearly clock changes. On Tuesday, the U.S. House passed a measure by a vote of 308-117.
While many people associate Daylight Saving Time with helping farmers, local cattle farmer Thomas O’Donnell says the time change has little impact on his daily routine.
“I feed them in the morning, I feed them at night. What matters is that they get fed,” O’Donnell said.
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Supporters of permanent Daylight Saving Time argue that having more evening daylight could encourage people to spend more time outdoors, participate in community activities and improve overall well-being.
“This is going to help us out tremendously with our mental health, with exercise activities, going outside, community events and just the overall mental health part of it,” Reynolds-Jackson said.
She also said federal action is an important step toward allowing states like New Jersey to make the change permanent.
“To see the federal government now taking action on this is really important for us to be able to have the mechanism to change it to make it permanent for New Jersey,” she said.
Parents are also watching the debate closely. Abdul Shaheed of Metuchen said the clock change has not affected his family’s routine.
“We’re used to using the bus, but my wife is also a teacher, so her schedule favors where she can drop them off before she goes to school,” Shaheed said.
The bill remains under consideration as lawmakers continue debating whether New Jersey should permanently stay on Daylight Saving Time.
