CT lawmakers weigh in on advancement of daylight saving bill

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent.

As a result, people would not have to change their clocks every eight months.

The bill is called the Sunshine Protection Act and it had bipartisan support in the Senate.

After its passage there, it heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Once the bill is voted on by Republicans and Democrats, it will end up on President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.

Sen. Marco Rubio is a sponsor of the bill. He voiced his support in the Senate on Tuesday.

“Reduce crime as it’s light later in the day. We have seen decrease in child obesity, in seasonal depression that many feel during standard time,” Rubio said.

Connecticut state Rep. Kurt Vail said he feels it will be a positive change.

“I had constituents see if we can do anything about it and the goal all along was to get the federal government to do something,” Vail said. “There is only so much you can do as a state representative. This was the goal.”

Vail said he’s been bringing up a similar bill for the past six years at the state capitol. However, he was never successful.

“People might stop at the store [later]. I think it’s good for commerce. It’s good for energy. It’s good for mental health,” he said. When we change the clocks, heart attacks increase and traffic accidents increase. I think overall it’s a win-win.”

Channel 3 spoke to a few people who had differing opinions.

“I rather just have it stay the same all year round,” said Jennifer Kozikis, a supporter of the bill. “I am good with that. It’s confusing. I have missed airplanes because of it sometimes.”

“I think we should keep it constant because it is safer for the children when they go on a bus and it gives us an uplift in the spring time,” said Michael Dionne, who is against the bill.

If it passes through Congress and Biden makes it official, it won’t go into effect until Nov. 2023. The reason for that date would be because transportation companies and broadcasters will need the time to adjust their schedules.

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