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Florida Senators Rubio, Scott introduce bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the US

File photo. (Photo: pasja1000/Pixabay)

(pasja1000/Pixabay)

Jacksonville, FL — As we get ready to 'spring forward' this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, Florida lawmakers are pushing to make it the last time.

Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, as well as Florida Representative Vern Buchanan, have introduced what they're calling the Sunshine Protection Act.

The legislation is designed to make Daylight Saving Time permanent across not only Florida, but the entire nation.

“Studies have shown many benefits of a year-round Daylight Saving Time, which is why Florida’s legislature overwhelmingly voted to make it permanent last year. Reflecting the will of the State of Florida, I’m proud to reintroduce this bill to also make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationally,” says Rubio in a statement.

WOKV told you when Rubio introduced a similar measure last year, though, Congress never took action on it. Rubio introduced the measure after the Florida legislature approved making Daylight Saving Time permanent. Then-Governor Rick Scott signed off, but it requires a change in federal statute before it can go into effect.

This new bill would not alter or change time zones; it would also not mandate US states and territories who do not currently observe Daylight Saving Time to do so. This means most of Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other areas would not be included in this change.

According to a press release from Rubio's office, making Daylight Saving Time permanent for the nation comes with a number of potential benefits, including the following: 

Reduces car crashes and car accidents involving pedestrians

Reduces risk for cardiac issues, stroke and seasonal depression. 

Reduces the number of robberies by 27 percent

Benefits the economy

Reduces childhood obesity and increases physical fitness

Benefits the agricultural economy

Reduces energy usage

Read more about how these benefits would be possible under permanent Daylight Saving Time, by clicking HERE.

You can read the one-page bill, by clicking HERE.

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