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Experts urge permanent standard time; committee lays bill over for further consideration
Summary
House File 1944 would make standard time permanent in Minnesota until Congress authorizes permanent daylight saving time; a sleep researcher and health coalitions testified in favor, citing sleep and safety benefits, and the committee laid the bill over.
Representative Freiberg introduced House File 1944 to adopt permanent standard time in Minnesota until Congress permits permanent daylight saving time. Dr. Roxanne Pritchard, a sleep researcher at the University of St. Thomas, testified that standard time better aligns with human circadian rhythms, reduces insomnia, and is associated with fewer heart attacks and accidents when compared to the transitions required by daylight saving time.
An online witness identified as JP, president of a coalition of nonprofits, said permanent standard time would reduce chronic sleep deprivation and improve public safety for commuters, schoolchildren and outdoor workers; he noted support from local medical and safety organizations.
Members asked questions about federal preemption and the mechanics (states may adopt permanent standard time now but may only adopt permanent daylight saving time if Congress authorizes it). Representative Freiberg said the bill is intended to end the biannual clock change and to provide stability until federal action would permit a different approach.
The committee laid HF 1944 over for possible inclusion and further consideration.
