What Just Happened?
The Nevada Assembly just passed what they call a “Lock the Clock” bill. If it becomes law, Nevadans won’t have to change their clocks twice a year anymore. The bill would keep Nevada on permanent standard time all year round, starting in 2026.
This idea isn’t new. Lawmakers have tried to pass similar bills before, but they didn’t succeed. This time might be different because the bill has support from both Republicans and Democrats.
Why Should Conservatives Care?
For folks who believe in limited government, this issue hits home in several ways.
First, there’s the question of government overreach. Why should the government tell us when to change our clocks? The twice-yearly time change is a perfect example of unnecessary regulation that disrupts our daily lives.
Second, this is about local control. States should have the right to decide what works best for their citizens without federal micromanagement.
Third, there’s a health and safety angle. The bill’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Selena La Rue Hatch, points out that time changes lead to more car accidents, heart attacks, and strokes. As she put it during the Assembly vote: “This is a bill which will save lives. That is what we are talking about. When we change the clocks, people die.”
Who’s For It, Who’s Against It?
The bill passed with 27 votes in favor and 15 against. Support came from both parties – several Republicans from Clark County voted yes, including Rich DeLong, Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth, and Melissa Hardy.
Not everyone agrees on which time to keep, though. Some opponents say they want to end the time change too, but prefer staying on daylight saving time year-round instead of standard time. Assemblyman Burt Gurr from rural Elko County argued that his constituents “didn’t want to get up at sunrise early in the morning, or go to bed early in the evening at sunset.”
“In the north, we don’t have that much neon, out in the rural areas,” Gurr noted, contrasting rural Nevada with Las Vegas.
The Bigger Picture
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 17 states have already passed laws or resolutions calling for permanent daylight saving time as soon as federal law allows it. Right now, only Arizona and Hawaii have opted out of daylight saving time completely, staying on standard time year-round.
This isn’t just a Nevada issue – 30 states, including neighboring California, are considering similar legislation.
The movement to end clock changing is growing nationwide. It’s a rare issue where many conservatives and liberals agree – the government-mandated time changes cause more harm than good.
What’s the Federal Angle?
Here’s the catch: while states can choose to opt out of daylight saving time and stay on standard time (like Arizona and Hawaii), federal law currently doesn’t allow states to switch to permanent daylight saving time. That’s why Nevada’s bill chooses standard time – it’s the only legal option right now without Congress changing federal law.
This highlights how federal restrictions limit state choices – something that should concern conservatives who value states’ rights and local control.
What Happens Next?
The bill now moves to the Nevada State Senate. A similar measure there is sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus, a Republican from Lyon County, which suggests it has a decent chance of passing.
For conservatives who want to support the bill, contacting your state senator would be the next step. You might mention how this bill reduces unnecessary government interference in our daily lives and returns power to the state level.
If you prefer daylight saving time instead of standard time, you could urge your representatives in Congress to change federal law to give states both options.
Either way, this bill represents a step toward more local control and less government disruption of our daily lives – principles that should appeal to any conservative who values limited government.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
