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Daylight-saving time bill draws mixed views in committee hearing
Summary
Representative Gregg presented HB 17 58 to adopt permanent daylight saving time pending federal action; supporters cited economic and safety benefits from more evening daylight, while opponents urged permanent standard time for sleep and safety reasons.
Representative Jamie Gregg presented House Bill 17 58, proposing that Missouri adopt permanent daylight saving time once federal law permits. Gregg framed the bill as ending twice-yearly clock changes and argued for public-safety and economic benefits tied to longer evening daylight.
During testimony and public comment, supporters said more evening daylight can spur retail and recreation activity and reduce certain evening crimes, while opponents warned of darker winter mornings and associated safety and sleep impacts. A witness who identified himself as JP, president of the nonprofit Safe Standard Time and co-chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, urged the committee to oppose permanent daylight time or to include an option for permanent standard time. He cited sleep experts and safety organizations and noted that permanent standard time is federally preapproved for states that choose it.
Committee members asked questions about effects on school start times, agriculture and regional alignment. The hearing closed after public testimony; no committee vote was taken in this session.
What happens next: The bill remains under committee consideration; members requested more research and constituency feedback, particularly about morning-safety impacts in winter months.
