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Senate committee advances bill to adopt permanent standard time if DC and Maryland do likewise
Summary
The committee reported an amended SB 541 to keep Virginia on permanent standard time only after the District of Columbia and Maryland enact the same change; the measure drew public-health testimony supporting standard time and broadcasters— concerns about cross-market scheduling.
The Senate General Laws and Technology Committee advanced an amended version of SB 541 that would establish permanent standard time for Virginia but only if the District of Columbia and Maryland adopt the same change.
Sponsor Sen. Stewart argued the change would spare residents the biannual clock shifts. Medical witnesses, including Ashtad Dalal, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, testified that permanent standard time aligns with circadian biology and would improve sleep and public health outcomes. "Morning light is the most important powerful signal for regulating sleep, alertness, mood, and brain function," Dalal testified.
Broadcasters and others warned the committee that unilateral changes could create cross-market programming and scheduling conflicts in a region that shares media markets across state lines, especially the Washington metropolitan area. The Virginia Association of Broadcasters cautioned about practical issues for stations that sit in different jurisdictions.
Committee members debated triggers for enactment and ultimately adopted an amendment stipulating that the law would take effect only after both the District of Columbia and Maryland enact compatible changes. The committee voted to report the amended bill.
What—s next: The amended bill will proceed as reported; sponsors recommended continued coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and monitoring congressional action on a national solution.
