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Free Press Opinion: Standard time adherence bill dead for year, but the argument goes on

Staff File Photo By Matt Hamilton / Watches, all of which have to be adjusted for spring and fall time changes, are seen at Rusty Tuggle's booth during the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors annual national convention at the Chattanooga Convention Center on June 15, 2024.
Staff File Photo By Matt Hamilton / Watches, all of which have to be adjusted for spring and fall time changes, are seen at Rusty Tuggle's booth during the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors annual national convention at the Chattanooga Convention Center on June 15, 2024. Staff File Photo By Matt Hamilton / Watches, all of which have to be adjusted for spring and fall time changes, are seen at Rusty Tuggle's booth during the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors annual national convention at the Chattanooga Convention Center on June 15, 2024.

By Clint Cooper 4 min read

Somewhere in Tennessee, a contingent of people believe the state should observe standard time throughout the year, eschewing the months when the nation observes daylight saving time. No more springing forward and falling back.

They’re unhappy today.

A bill in the state legislature that would have mandated year-round standard time failed in the Senate’s State and Local Government Committee on Wednesday and subsequently was taken off notice by the House’s equivalent committee.

The original Senate bill, sponsored by state Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, required state departments and agencies to submit to the governor and committees of the general assembly annual reports on achieving economic efficiency.

However, an amendment by state Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, would have changed the language in the bill to say: “Beginning on the second Sunday in March of 2027, this state and its political subdivisions shall observe standard time as provided in [federal law] at all times throughout the year, and each year thereafter.”